New Zealanders will be asked at September’s national election whether they want to pass a bill
that would legalise cannabis and regulate how it is used and sold. This will include producing and selling fresh and dried cannabis, including plants and seeds – for people over 20 years old. The change would impose more stringent restrictions than the rules around sales of alcohol and tobacco.
What are the key points of the proposed changes?
- Those under 20 caught with cannabis would not be convicted but would instead receive a “health-based” response, such as a fine or education. Those selling to under 20s would face jail time.
- Cannabis use would be restricted to private residences or licensed premises, such as specialist cannabis stores.
- People would be able to buy 14 grams of cannabis a day – something New Zealand’s main opposition party has previously decried as too much – with a THC content of up to 15%, which even New Zealand’s pro-legalisation Drug Foundation says is probably too much. The stronger the product, the higher the taxes that will be applied to it.
- Advertising of cannabis products would not be allowed, nor would walking around smoking it in public.
- Companies would have to choose between either growing or selling the drug, and there would be a limit to how much of the national stock a firm could hold. Imports and exports would not be permitted.
Would people be able to buy edible cannabis products?
Not straight away. A new cannabis regulatory authority could approve the sale of edibles at a later date, but novelty cannabis products like gummy lollies would be barred, as would any other edible designed to appeal to children.
Would private citizens be allowed to grow their own?
Yes, with up to two plants per person, and a maximum of four plants per household.
...
Is the law likely to be approved?
Not according to the latest figures. A One News Colmar Brunton
poll in February said 51% of people would vote against legalising cannabis, with 39% voting to allow it. The rest of the 1,000 people polled said they would opt out of voting or didn’t know what they would choose.
