What the parties say about cannabis law reform

LABOUR

No concrete policy on reform. The instant fine system taken on in South Australia is one the party would be interested in looking into further as is the recent liberalising of the laws in Britain.

NATIONAL

Strongly oppose the decriminalisation of the drug. Maintain strong standards so young people know cannabis is not good for them. Support police enforcing drug laws, particularly cracking down on cannabis cultivation and supply.

GREENS

Are well known to support of decriminalisation - with an age limit of 18. Want better education and rehabilitation. Underage use would attract a compulsory assessment, not a criminal sanction. Police to target suppliers who sell to young children. Support for personal use without penalty.

ACT

Policy is that it is a conscience issue. Act advocates personal freedom and choice. However the party would not vote for reform unless education programmes on the health aspects of cannabis use are in place. Cannabis must remain banned for children.

NZ FIRST

Do not believe the public support decriminalisation. Happy to have a public referendum on the issue and say if that comes out with a majority opposed to decriminalisation - that will be the end of the issue.

JIM ANDERTON'S PROGRESSIVE COALITION

Anti drugs including cannabis. Not interested in decriminalisation. Wants to stop `tacit approval' of the drug, and start talking about its effects. Open to helping those found in possession if it helps get to suppliers and growers. Looking into ways and means of seizing assets of serious repeat offenders, and at a harsher penalty for supplying children with cannabis.

ALLIANCE

See it as a pubic health issue, not a criminal one. Alliance MPs will vote for decriminalisation, while Mana Motuhake MPs within caucus reserve the right to vote against decriminalisation.

UNITED FUTURE

One of firmly embedded policy beliefs - implaccably opposed to decriminalisation. Believe it is one of the greatest dangers facing our children. Setting age limits or decriminalisation is not sending the right message to children. Believe it is too simplistic to simply throw the law out.

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