Should the Internet Party support the decriminalisation of cannabis?
Sam Gribben
Public
Seen by 412
Using cannabis is against the law in New Zealand. Every year thousands of young people are convicted for cannabis possession, often for small amounts, meaning they have to go through life with a criminal conviction.
In the US natural cannabis has been decriminalised in 21 states for medicinal purposes. A range of countries in Europe and other parts of the world are also moving towards decriminalisation.
Consistently high political barriers remain in New Zealand, despite growing public support for the decriminalisation of cannabis for personal use. Parliament’s latest rejection of the medicinal use of cannabis came from the Health Select Committee in May 2014.
What does everyone think? Should the Internet Party support the decriminalisation of cannabis in New Zealand? Tell us what you think, and why...
Anyone affected by addiction issues should call the Alcohol Drug Helpline on 0800 787 797 or visit http://www.drughelp.org.nz/
Poll Created Tue 3 Jun 2014 10:01PM
Should we decriminalise cannabis? Closed Fri 6 Jun 2014 10:09PM
I think that decriminalisation of cannabis is a good first step. This step will not be the end of the discussion, but it's something we should do as soon as possible. Vote away!
Results
| Results | Option | % of points | Voters | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Agree | 82.0% | 210 |
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| Abstain | 4.3% | 11 |
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| Disagree | 8.6% | 22 |
|
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| Block | 5.1% | 13 |
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| Undecided | 0% | 398 |
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256 of 654 people have participated (39%)
Joshua Roberts
Tue 3 Jun 2014 10:20PM
I am not a user of cannabis and do not know enough about it to make a proper decision
Sam Gribben
Tue 3 Jun 2014 10:32PM
I've watched Dr Sanjay Gupta's documentaries 'Weed' and 'Weed 2' and I think the evidence is very compelling.
Andy Pickering
Tue 3 Jun 2014 10:33PM
Yes, it's time to decriminalise cannabis in NZ. Lets move forward with a sensible evidence / health based approach to the issue. Prohibition doesn't work.
Grant Keinzley
Tue 3 Jun 2014 10:34PM
I agree to cannabis decriminalization simply because it is a waste of taxpayers dollars to continue convicting cannabis users as felons rather than treating the offense as a misdemeanour, or no crime at all.
Tobias Siataga IP
Tue 3 Jun 2014 10:43PM
I have seen first hand the benefits to people with MS (multiple sclerosis) and people who are managing chronic pain. Better results than any prescription medications.
Jim Tucker
Tue 3 Jun 2014 10:50PM
We have passed the point where this is some kind of wacky alternative medicine. Many countries and US states have accepted that.
Michael
Tue 3 Jun 2014 11:26PM
This is not a policy area I feel we should be exploring as a new party. I believe we should avoid as it will split the party and potential votes. I myself feel the current legal status of cannabis should remain. I'm okay with penalties being reduced.
Kim Robinson
Tue 3 Jun 2014 11:49PM
I have psoriatric arthritis which cripples my mobility every day. I'm currently on Methotrexate it causes vomiting and 'the runs'. I have a number of pain relief meds with side effects. Please Legalise cannabis asap.
Alaxander Robinson
Tue 3 Jun 2014 11:54PM
I'm on the fence their could be benefits to legalisation but it needs to be done very very carefully, I'm also not sure this is an issue we should deal with during our campaign I think we can cover this by saying we're open to exploring the idea.