Pubdate: Tue, 19 Jul 2005
Source: New Zealand Herald (New Zealand)
Copyright: 2005 New Zealand Herald
Contact:  http://www.nzherald.co.nz/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/300
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

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.
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MAP posted-by: Beth