Pubdate: Mon, 22 Jul 2002
Source: New Zealand Herald (New Zealand)
Copyright: 2002 New Zealand Herald
Contact:  http://www.nzherald.co.nz/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/300

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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MAP posted-by: Beth