This year, NZ voters will be asked for their vote on two referendums, including one on the legalisation of cannabis.
The government has provided a summary of proposed regulations so we can make an informed decision - https://www.referendums.govt.nz/cannabis/index.html.
From first read, it's good.
New Zealand is fortunate to be in a position to learn from others experiences. From what I'm reading, it seems we've adapted the good and avoided the bad to create a regulatory framework that fits our needs.
Some highlights:
It's focused on harm reduction and takes a health approach, which is fantastic.
It's taking a sensible approach to age limits and personal use. Age restriction addresses concerns about impacts on younger people and home grow reduces black market and corporates from dominating.
It's balanced to prevent too much corporate control. Regulations allow for licensed retailers and producers, but there are limits to prevent issues seen overseas with large profit driven companies flooding the market, causing massive social harm like we've seen with tobacco and alcohol. Potency limits, product approvals will help.
It’s going to collect revenue and fund better outcomes. Taxes and levies will apply, to help control the market and pay for education and treatments - our addiction services are dreadfully underfunded. Applying this based on the potency is sensible and discourages overly potent products.
It has good oversight. Inclusions like the Regulatory Authority and Advisory Committee are good, especially with the inclusion of iwi, health, justice and social sectors. For too long alcohol and tobacco were allowed to ravage communities and caused massive social harm, seems we've learned.
After my first read through, my major issue is not the proposed regulation - but how it may (or may not) happen. Firstly, the referendum has to pass (which isn't a given). Then the next government can choose to implement the regulations, or not. This should have been a binding referendum, with the bill passed waiting to be enacted if the public agreed. This is how the End of Life bill has been managed and it's a better option. I appreciate that this is the political reality of the coalition government, but it's still a shame.
I'm looking forward to seeing the thoughts of others on the proposed regulations before making my final decision, but based on what I've seen here, I'll be voting in favour of legislation (through regulation).