Hot off the press from News Hub….and it’s great news for the black market, those on the right of politics and those that want to protect their investments in medical cannabis.. looks like another generation before the opportunity presents itself. Hopefully parliament will look at a sensible de-criminalization option for consumers and home growers
New Zealand has voted against legalising recreational cannabis, preliminary referendum results show.
A referendum on the Cannabis Legalisation and Control Bill – which sets out a way for the Government to regulate weed – was held alongside the general election and End of Life Choice referendum earlier this month.
Preliminary results released by the Electoral Commission on Friday afternoon show 1,114,485 Kiwis (46.1 percent) are in support of bringing the Bill into force, with 1,281,818 (53.1 percent) against.
This backs up the findings of a Newshub-Reid Research poll released 24 hours prior to Election Day, which found 55.6 percent would vote ‘no’, 38.3 percent would vote ‘yes’ and 5.7 percent ‘didn’t know’.
However special votes – votes from those who enrolled on election day or cast their ballots from overseas – are yet to be counted.
The official referendum results, which will include these special votes, are scheduled for release on November 6, 2020.
If the result of the referendum stays the same, it’ll mean possession and consumption of cannabis will remain illegal in New Zealand under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975.
But if the referendum results turn around when the special votes are counted, the Cannabis Legalisation and Control Bill will be introduced to Parliament, allowing an opportunity for the public to share their ideas on how the new legislation might work.
If this happens, the reforms are likely to permit Kiwis to possess and consume cannabis in limited circumstances.
Also Read
The ABC
https://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory/zealand-votes-legalize-euthanasia-marijuana-73917285
We are already seeing this expected commentary
Conservative lawmaker Nick Smith, from the opposition National Party, welcomed the preliminary marijuana result.
“This is a victory for common sense. Research shows cannabis causes mental health problems, reduced motivation and educational achievement, and increased road and workplace deaths,” he said. “New Zealanders have rightly concluded that legalizing recreational cannabis would normalize it, make it more available, increase its use and cause more harm.”
Sydney Morning Herald
