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/
Jaya Gibson
Wed 4 Jun 2014 12:18AM
I think we should do this as a first step and eventually legalise it but I believe it should be done within an overall review of our drug laws including alcohol, tobacco etc.
Jo Booth
Wed 4 Jun 2014 1:16AM
Decriminalising cannabis is not enough. Before your average Joe is permitted to buy it'd I'd like to see it reduced to a pharmaceutical like any other, that is measured is milligrams of active ingredients, with well understood side affects & benefits
Keri Henare
Wed 4 Jun 2014 1:18AM
It is ridiculous to criminalise cannabis when alcohol and tobacco are illegal. We are needlessly wasting money and police resources. All we've achieved is that we've handed easy money to gangs.
Colin Davies
Wed 4 Jun 2014 1:18AM
I want to see the plan that will become legislation first.
Whilst the current law is an ASS,
I don't want to see a worse law take its place.
Keri Henare
Wed 4 Jun 2014 1:18AM
It is ridiculous to criminalise cannabis when alcohol and tobacco are legal. We are needlessly wasting money and police resources. All we've achieved is that we've handed easy money to gangs.
Mkj.
Wed 4 Jun 2014 1:19AM
The taxation benefits alone speak for themselves... But other considerations such as Bio Oil, Hemp manufacturing etc should make this a no brainer. :o)
josh paff
Wed 4 Jun 2014 1:25AM
We should be a party that defends civil liberties. You should be able to do what you please with your body without fear of being kidnapped by the Government. I don't think we should stop with Cannabis, we should decriminalize every drug.
Michael
Wed 4 Jun 2014 1:28AM
This is not a policy area I feel we should not exploring as a new party. I believe we should avoid as it will split the party & potential votes. I myself feel the current legal status of cannabis should remain. I'm okay with penalties being reduced.
Michael
Wed 4 Jun 2014 1:28AM
This is not a policy area I feel we should not exploring as a new party. I believe we should avoid as it will split the party & potential votes. I myself feel the current legal status of cannabis should remain. I'm okay with penalties being reduced.
Joseph Ramsay
Wed 4 Jun 2014 1:33AM
I feel the legalisation and Taxation of Cannabis similar to colorado is the best move forward. this would create a huge amount of tax income.