Instant fines mooted for cannabis

Nandor Tanczos

People caught with cannabis would get an instant fine instead of a criminal conviction under Green MP Nandor Tanczos' new bill to partially decriminalise the drug.


The private member's bill would introduce $100 instant fines for people caught growing or using small amounts of cannabis - a system Mr Tanczos likened to parking tickets.

Mr Tanczos said the bill - which he described as "mainstream stuff" - would remove the disproportionate punishment of a criminal conviction for cannabis possession, and would free up police and court resources.

"We believe this is a practical solution to the political impasse."

It would still be illegal to sell cannabis and to possess large amounts of the drug.

The bill is a departure from the Greens' official cannabis policy, which completely eliminates penalties for personal cannabis use for people over 18.

"It doesn't go as far as I would personally like," Mr Tanczos admitted, "but it deals to the greatest problem, which is the criminalisation of huge numbers of New Zealanders."

Mr Tanczos' bill appears to be an attempt by the Greens to adopt a more pragmatic approach to cannabis law reform and to appeal to a wider group of voters.

There has been speculation that Mr Tanczos' demotion from fourth position on the Greens' list to seventh was because his drive for cannabis law reform made some members of the Greens uncomfortable and alienated mainstream voters.

Mr Tanczos, who has fronted the Greens' cannabis reform policy since his election to Parliament in 1999, yesterday said the bill proved that the party was not backing away from the issue.

Greens co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons said the party caucus unanimously supported the bill and said it would form part of any post-election coalition talks.

National, New Zealand First and United Future all said they were opposed to the bill.

Progressive leader Jim Anderton said the bill sent a dangerous message that using cannabis was acceptable and harmless.

The Tanczos bill

* Adults (over 18) with up to 28g of cannabis or 5g of cannabis preparation would get a $100 instant fine rather than a criminal record (anything over these amounts would remain illegal).

* Adults growing up to five small plants at home would get a $100 fine (anything over this amount would remain illegal).

* Under-18s caught with cannabis would get a fine and be referred to an approved drug educator.

* Anyone caught smoking or growing cannabis within 100m of a school or other area mostly used by children would get a $500 fine.