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Opinion: Why would cannabis legalisation be a really logical and sensible idea for NZ on the 2023 election? We asked our in-house assistant Policy Analyst for a 400 word report - read on!.
Cannabis legalization in New Zealand for the 2023 election holds the potential for several logical and sensible advantages. Firstly, legalization can contribute to public health and safety by allowing for credible health promotion guidelines, regulation and quality control of the product. This would minimize risks associated with consumption, reducing the prevalence of any poor quality, contaminated (eg mouldy) or adulterated cannabis in circulation.
Secondly, legalization could generate substantial economic benefits. The cannabis industry, comprising cultivation, processing, distribution, and retail, has the potential to create jobs and stimulate economic growth. Tax revenue generated from legal cannabis sales could be directed towards essential public services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
Furthermore, legalization would shift law enforcement focus away from minor cannabis offenses, allowing police resources to be directed towards more serious crimes. This would free up both manpower and funding, resulting in a more efficient and effective criminal justice system.
Legalization also presents an opportunity to address social justice concerns. Historically, cannabis criminalization has disproportionately affected marginalized communities. By legalizing cannabis, New Zealand could take a step towards rectifying this injustice and promote a fairer legal system.
In terms of harm reduction, a regulated market could implement age restrictions and educational campaigns to promote responsible usage. This approach contrasts with the current illegal market, where age restrictions are absent and consumer safety is compromised.
Legal regulation might also provide a platform for increased research into cannabis's medical benefits. With proper regulation, scientists could conduct studies to better understand its potential medicinal applications and develop evidence-based treatments.
Furthermore, allowing adults to access cannabis legally might help destigmatize its use and encourage open conversations about responsible consumption. This approach could lead to a more informed public perception and reduce the allure of using cannabis purely for its rebellious connotations. That said, there is the need for robust regulations to prevent excessive advertising or targeting of minors.
In conclusion, cannabis legalisation in New Zealand for the 2023 General Election could be a logical and sensible move due to its potential benefits in terms of public health, economy, social justice, law enforcement, and harm reduction. To maximize these advantages, careful planning, regulation, and ongoing evaluation would be crucial components of any legalization framework implemented by the winning coalition Government.
Andrew Littles draft bill already exists and received a remarkable 1.4million vote endorsement in 2020, despite much negative and preudiced coverage of the proposed Legalisation and Control solution.
ALCPs key role is probably to cut through the identified quite sinister Cone of Silence with the Party’s advocacy and enthusism for honest evidence based POSITIVE GAINS and influence the ousting of Nope policy as #1 outcome for Aotearoa in the 2023 Election. Best wishes ALCP for a high turnout on polling day!!!!!
important links
Report-of-the-Electoral-Commission-on-the-2020-General-Election-and-referendums.pdf (elections.nz)
of relevance P62: this applies to the Referendums Framework Act and nope misinformation petition 245 signatories and O’CONNELL vs ELECTORAL COMMISSION: High Court case … blocked by technicality (unknown Overly Strict time limit expired on provision of securities $1000)
Following the release of the Cannabis referendum results, a petition for an inquiry into the conduct of the Cannabis Legalisation and Control referendum was filed under section 28 of the Referendums Framework Act alleging that poor provision of information in the referendum campaign constituted an irregularity in the conduct of the referendum. Security for costs was not provided within the required timeframe, which ended the proceedings. Although the substantive case did not proceed, the application raised questions of what constitutes grounds for and scope for an inquiry.
Local Enterprise and Entrepreneurship
Educate Responsible Consumer
Cognitive Liberty
Expunge Criminal Records
The ALCP's policies all relate to cannabis, hemp, or drug education. These include legalising possession, growing and use of cannabis for those over 18, creating a 'medpot' card, taxing companies involved in the cannabis industry, removing the need for a licence to grow hemp, and funding drug education and research.
AND much much more
THEN 2020 REFERENDUM UPGRADE
Under discussion and in progress ( Cannabis Party policy/philosophy)
Cannabis Party envisions a Cottage Industry (compatable and workable within the proposed Cannabis Legalisation & Control Bill):
* age restriction more consistent with alcohol and tobacco (alcp policy) Balance would be best, "level playing field". a more realistic, fairer way to go
* affordable micro liscences for existing Kiwi growers including Green Fairies
* full expungement of convictions (ALCP policy). Apologies must be made for Injustices of Prohibition
* full inclusion of Kiwi knowhow, skills and product
* safe provision of edibles including medicinal herbs and salads
* Kiwi strains of cannabis seed for all growing and nutritional and Medicinal purposes, including tinctures balms etc
* full range of quality controlled retail product with your preferred mix of THC and CBD content
* bare minimum 5 plant per household model or more as deemed reasonable
* protection against racially loaded enforcement of regulations
And more amendments we haven't thought of yet feedback welcome
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Commented on by Kevin O'Connell
Edited
Comprehensive positive gains that could be achieved through responsible, equitable legalisation and control of cannabis in New Zealand, which would counter many negative aspects of the current invasive law:
Restored Public Trust: Responsible legalization restores public trust by demonstrating a commitment to transparent and well-informed decision-making.
Enhanced Personal Freedoms: Legalization empowers individuals to make informed choices about cannabis use without fear of legal repercussions, respecting personal freedoms.
Encouragement of Open Dialogue: Legalization fosters open discussions about cannabis, encouraging diverse perspectives and informed debates within society.
Economic Growth: A legalized and regulated cannabis market can lead to economic growth through increased tax revenue, job creation, and the development of a new industry.
Global Reputation: Embracing cannabis legalization aligns New Zealand with global trends, enhancing its reputation as a forward-thinking nation with progressive policies.
Optimized Resource Allocation: By redirecting law enforcement resources away from cannabis enforcement, the focus can shift to more urgent public safety concerns.
Equitable Enforcement: Legalization helps eliminate disproportionate enforcement on marginalized communities, promoting fair and just treatment under the law.
Innovation and Research: A legal cannabis industry encourages innovation in agriculture, medicine, and technology, fostering scientific advancements and improvements.
Strengthened Rule of Law: Responsible legalization restores a respected the rule of law, promoting a just and well-regulated society.
Increased Civic Engagement: Citizens are more likely to engage with a government that respects their choices and values, leading to active participation in civic matters.
By addressing the negative aspects of prohibition through responsible legalisation and control, New Zealand could potentially unlock these positive gains for its society, economy, and overall well-being!
NZ Drug Foundation - At the heart of the matter
The Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party (ALCP) has been actively fighting for Cannabis law reform since 1996. In the past 27 years, ALCP has contested in all of the elections, bringing this message to the forefront.
The 2020 election has aligned the Labour-led government with ALCPs cry to legalise Cannabis by introducing a referendum which proposes a Legalise and Control Bill. The bill clearly states the minimum age, personal cultivation and commercial trade. As such, it is important to party vote ALCP
“Truth, Justice, Freedom, Safety, Prosperity”
Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party (ALCP), also known as the Cannabis Party, is a political party in New Zealand. It is dedicated to removing or reducing restrictions on the use of cannabis and similar substances.
2020 REFERENDUM BACKGROUND (‘wave of disinformation’):
The 2020 Election aligned the Labour-led government with ALCPs cause to fully-decriminalise and legalise Cannabis. Labour introduced the 2020 referendum which proposed a Legalise and Control Bill. The bill clearly stated the minimum age, personal cultivation and commercial trade with strict rules. There were aspects we did not like such as exclusion of existing growers and sellers from legal framework, and the wording itself could have been more on par with End Of Life Choice. However it was a draft proposal with many positives, so we naturally backed yes for 2020.
Then we realised we werent being included at all in the medias national ‘debate'. We were stigmatised and stereotyped. Voter pack mailouts did not have the usual colourful and informative party list and logo pamphlet with no explanation from Electoral Commission. (Have a look at your 2023 pamphlet when it arrives in a few weeks and see if you notice ALCP listing? one of the reasons we pay Electoral Commission is this paid for publicity for our Party, missing in 2020 for some unknown reason.
……
So despite much negative reporting and dumbed-down exclusionary debate - and no apparent management of misinformation despite it being promised - 1.4 million educated Kiwis voted ‘yes’ .
Under the circumstances this shows resounding public appetite for law reform in NZ, and proves ALCP has been right all along.
Only a minority of Voter-age Kiwis actually voted ‘No’ to Legalisation and Control in 2020
39% voted NO (1.47 million)
37.6% voted YES
23.4% (non voters)
Amongst the current Kiwi population of over 5.2 million, it is one in four NZers who voted ‘no’ in 2020 - a distinct MINORITY.
Unfortunately the “progressive” liberal compassionate Labour Government - and Parliament in general - has chosen to take sides with the confused, misinformed NON-BINDING ‘Nope’ result (within the margin of error)
Instead of doing the right thing - reviewing the process and reconsidering the marginal non-binding result - Govt has locked in the harmful criminalisation law for the foreseeable future.
- as if ‘just say nope’ was the correct and safe ‘evidence-based’ majority answer…