New Zealand to hold referendum on legalising recreational cannabis
Vote will coincide with 2020 general election; it follows legalisation of drug’s use for medicinal purposes
Tuesday, December 18, 2018
New Zealand will hold a referendum on whether to legalise cannabis for recreational use at the general election in 2020, a week after legalising cannabis for medicinal purposes. The governing Labour party promised the Green party they would hold a national referendum on legalising the drug, as part of the agreement between the two. Cannabis is widely consumed in New Zealand with police largely turning a blind eye to small-scale, personal use. The Cannabis Referendum Coalition welcomed the timing, saying it would maximise turnout, but was disappointed that there wasn't clarity on the referendum question. (See also: Binding referendum on legalising cannabis for personal use to be held at 2020 election | Sharp suits v gang patches: The battle for NZ's legal cannabis market)
