Green MP seeks to change cannabis law

Green MP Nandor Tanczos is proposing cannabis users be fined rather than face criminal convictions.

Mr Tanczos has drafted a member's bill to reform the law and believes he has found a way forward in the debate. But United Future and National said they would oppose the plan.

"I believe that the measures this bill puts forward will be acceptable to Labour and the New Zealand public," Mr Tanczos said.

Mr Tanczos is a self-confessed cannabis smoker who came into Parliament in 1999 campaigning for its decriminalisation.

A summary of his bill says adults caught using the drug would get an instant fine rather than face a criminal conviction. New provisions would strengthen protection for under-18s.

Under the proposals, people aged over 18 with up to 28g of cannabis or 5g of cannabis preparation would get a $100 instant fine, rather than a criminal record.

Adults growing up to five small plants at home would get a $100 instant fine, rather than a criminal record, unless there was evidence of selling.

In addition to existing provisions anyone smoking or cultivating cannabis within 100m of a school or other area mostly used by youth would get a $500 instant fine.

Selling any amount of cannabis would remain illegal and subject to the same penalties as at present.

Revenue gathered from cannabis infringement fines would be earmarked to fund drug education and drug treatment provision.

United Future leader Peter Dunne said the bill was "thin-end-of-the-wedge stuff" towards legalising cannabis and his party would oppose it.

"From day one, we have taken the position that drugs are a scourge on society and ruin young lives, so we make no apology for taking a hard line," he said.

National MP Judith Collins said the Greens' policy was dangerous and would put children in danger.

"Any relaxation of the law will put more of our children at risk. A National government will not legalise cannabis," she said.Other proposals include:

* in addition to existing provisions, people younger than 18 found with cannabis would be fined and referred to an approved drug education provider;

* cannabis would be covered by the Smokefree Environments Act;

* possession of more that 28g of dried plant or 5g of cannabis preparation would remain illegal and be subject to the same penalties as at present.

- NZPA