New Zealanders to vote on legalizing cannabis in September
New Zealanders will have their say on whether to legalize cannabis at a referendum during the next general election in September.
Justice Minister Andrew Little confirmed in a statement on Friday the referendum would ask voters a simple yes/no question to see if they agreed with the proposed legislation.
The legislation includes a minimum age of 20 to use and purchase recreational cannabis, regulations and commercial supply limits, limited home-growing options and a public education programme.
Under the proposed legislation, it would be illegal to expose those aged under 19 to smoke or vape, and only licensed operators would be able to import or export cannabis seeds or plants.
Voters would receive information on the referendum in “plain English” in the lead-up to the election, Little said.
“The Government is committed to providing impartial, unbiased information on the referendums and its process,” the minister added.
Little confirmed a second referendum about legalizing euthanasia would be held at the same time and would also be a yes/no question.
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That bill allows a terminally ill person to request assisted dying, but two doctors must agree the patient is well-informed and other legal criteria are met.
The referendum on assisted dying will be binding, while it will be up to the next government to enact the law on cannabis. (dpa)
