New Zealand: Only 1 Day Into Cannabis Referendum Debate & The Heat Is On

The NZ Herald reports

Drug Foundation praises the proposed cannabis law – but National says it’s not up to scratch

The New Zealand Drug Foundation is welcoming the proposed new law which would regulate the use of cannabis, if it’s made legal after next year’s referendum.

But National said although the draft bill was well-intentioned it’s not doing the job it needs to do.

The Government this afternoon outlined details of what they’ll be voting for in next year’s cannabis referendum.

The Drug Foundation’s Executive Director Ross Bell was thrilled with the draft legislation saying it was a “wonderful thing.

“New Zealand voters want to know what they’re actually voting on next year and the Government has really laid out really clearly the kind of rules, regulations and controls it’s going to put in place.”

If you were going to give it a public health tick – “this will tick all the boxes”.

Speaking to media this afternoon, Justice Minister Andrew Little said the draft bill was a “major social policy shift”.

“This provides information for people to make an informed choice and to have a constructive debate.

“We do want a well regulated, control-based approach to cannabis in New Zealand.”

Asked about the 14g limit, he said that was roughly what a regular user consumes a week.

But National’s drug and alcohol spokeswoman Paula Bennett disagrees.

“Young people are still going to try it, but they will be getting it from the black market.”

She also had a number of questions that the draft bill does not answer, such as how much tax would be raised.

“It’s well-intentioned, but it’s not doing the job it needs to do.”

Little said the amount of tax that would be raised if cannabis is made legal, but he did confirm it would subject to the same excise tax as tobacco, Little confirmed.

But Ross said based on recent studies, the bill would raise roughly $250 million.

Read the full article at  https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12290652

 

Meanwhile over at  News Hub NZ the opposition leader is over egging it somewhat.

Cannabis referendum risks being New Zealand’s Brexit – National’s Simon Bridges

National leader Simon Bridges is urging Kiwis to oppose cannabis legalisation, saying next year’s referendum risks being New Zealand’s Brexit.

On Tuesday, Justice Minister Andrew Little revealed the proposed recreational cannabis scheme that will be put to New Zealanders at a referendum alongside the 2020 general election. A draft of the Cannabis Legalisation and Control Bill suggests a minimum purchase age of 20, a ban on marketing or advertising cannabis products and not allowing consumption in public areas.

A Cannabis Regulatory Authority would also be created with a range of functions, including to license and authorise controlled activities, monitoring compliance, and developing good practise guidelines.

More at  https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2019/12/cannabis-referendum-risks-being-new-zealand-s-brexit-national-s-simon-bridges.html

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