<strong>The</strong> <strong>Star</strong> Thursday <strong>August</strong> <strong>13</strong> <strong>2020</strong> 14 ELECTION <strong>2020</strong> • From page <strong>13</strong> What is in the legislation? It has been at the centre of hyperbolic rhetoric, political back and forths, and ardent campaigning on both sides. When you go to vote in this year’s election, you will be asked whether you support it or not. But what does the proposed Cannabis Legalisation and Control Bill actually do? In a nutshell, it gives the Government a way to control and regulate cannabis, by providing a model to cover how people can legally produce, supply, or consume it. One of the biggest changes is that it would legalise the possession and consumption of cannabis in certain circumstances. It would also allow cannabis to be sold from licensed outlets. Under the proposed Bill, people aged 20 or over could buy up to 14 grams of dried cannabis a day from licensed outlets, enter licensed premises where cannabis is sold or consumed, consume cannabis on private property or at a licensed premises, and grow up to two plants with a maximum of four plants per household. <strong>The</strong>re are also some things the Bill does not cover, mainly issues already covered by existing laws. For example, medicinal cannabis, driving under the influence of cannabis, or workplace health and safety issues, are not covered under this Bill. While it would significantly liberalise New Zealand’s cannabis laws, it also comes with some regulations. As well as the age limit, health warnings would be required on packaging, and the total amount of licensed cannabis for sale would be limited, as would the potency of it. A person must be aged 20 or over to enter, or work at, premises where cannabis is sold or consumed. However, a person under 20 could be employed by a licensed cannabis grower or processor. Communities would be Latest Canterbury news at starnews.co.nz Cannabis referendum: <strong>The</strong> facts consulted about where cannabis could be sold or consumed, and it could not be imported. <strong>The</strong> Bill also contains a focus on health outcomes, rather than criminal proceedings. A person under 20 found in possession of cannabis would receive a health-based response such as an education session, or they would pay a small fee or fine. <strong>The</strong>y would not gain a conviction. It would not be a free-for- all on cannabis products, however. Some would be banned, such as beverages including cannabis, products designed to increase the psychoactive or addictive effects of cannabis, and products that involve ways of consuming cannabis that are higher risk, including injectables and suppositories. Edibles would be restricted to baked products that do not require refrigeration or heating, and must be produced in separate premises to those used for conventional food production. In other words, you are not likely to see hash brownies in your local fast food outlet or cafe any time soon. One of the key points is cannabis would be taxed and licences would be required to sell it, providing a new revenue stream for the government. It is estimated that could bring in hundreds of millions of dollars each year. A levy, similar to that applied to alcohol and gambling, would also fund services to reduce cannabis harm. A regulatory authority would be established to ensure the rules were followed. <strong>The</strong> law would also be reviewed after five years. As for the referendum, it is non-binding. That means if more than 50 per cent of people vote ‘Yes’, the incoming government can introduce a Bill to Parliament. However, if more than 50 per cent of people vote ‘No’ in the referendum, recreational cannabis would remain illegal, and the law would be unchanged. • HAVE YOUR SAY: Should cannabis be legalised in New Zealand? Email your views to barry@starmedia.kiwi Could voters be leaning towards ‘yes’ in the cannabis referendum in September’s General Election? A poll conducted on <strong>The</strong> <strong>Star</strong>’s Facebook page last month suggest voters are leaning towards a ‘Yes’ vote. <strong>The</strong> poll found 67 per cent of 3000 respondents supported the legislation of cannabis, with 33 per cent against. This equates to 2026 respondents being in favour of legalisation and 874 being against. Comments made on the Facebook poll exhibited a range of differing perspectives and opinions on the matter. Jo Margaret said she was voting yes, even though she doesn’t use cannabis or like it. “I want those who do use it to be safe, to not be a criminal for cannabis use. To not be associating with gangs and not put themselves at risk,” she said. Whereas Judy Ware warned against legalisation. “How can any observer vote yeas [sic]. Drugged drivers on our roads us a a [sic] scary concept. We have enough accidents and deaths now.” However, there were people like Paul McNeil who had not yet come to a final decision. Ready for your future <strong>The</strong> Club House is our socialising hub. It’s my favourite place to spend time with friends over a cup of tea or be part of the organised activities on offer. Together we can reduce waste and look after the environment for future generations. We’re updating our waste plan and want your views on how we can work together to reduce waste. Lady Wigram Village living includes spacious villas and elegant apartments, surrounded by beautifully landscaped grounds. Lady Wigram Village residents will in future have the option to be cared for in a hospital care home, rest home or dedicated dementia unit. Construction is well under way and due for completion soon. ccc.govt.nz/ourwaste 210 Kittyhawk Ave, Wigram, Christchurch 8042 03 341 0543 | 027 3411 464 | sales@ladywigram.co.nz | www.ladywigram.co.nz
Thursday <strong>August</strong> <strong>13</strong> <strong>2020</strong> <strong>The</strong> <strong>Star</strong> 15
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