New Zealand politicians have promised to hold a nation-wide vote on whether to legalize recreational marijuana by 2020. And euthanasia, the right for doctors to assist the terminally ill or those in crippling pain in dying, has amassed political support. As legislation for both topics progresses, Kiwis will have a chance to vote yay or nay, possibly at the same time.
Here’s a look at what New Zealand’s political forces have to say about both issues, and how they’ll decide when to hold this historic referendum.
Legal Marijuana Is Coming To New Zealand
Support for decriminalization or legalization has been on the rise for years. In 2017, a New Zealand Drug Foundation poll found that 65 percent back decriminalization or legalization for personal possession.
Furthermore, an overwhelming majority support marijuana for pain relief, especially for the terminally ill. 55 percent would vote in favor of legalizing personal use marijuana growth, too.
Ross Bell, director of the Drug Foundation, explained to the New Zealand Herald, “A regulated approach will usher in controls on quality, price, and availability of cannabis, along with more education, prevention and treatment. The public gets this. Why don’t our political leaders?”
When weed comes to a vote, Kiwis will almost certainly decriminalize it, and will most likely legalize it recreationally.
Political Forces Are Catching Up To Popular Opinion
Though former Prime Minister Bill English was a fervently anti-marijuana, times have changed in New Zealand. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has not publicly supported recreational weed. However, as part of a larger deal with the Green Party, Ardern’s Labour Party has committed to holding the marijuana referendum.
Now that the Greens and the Labour Party are working together, cannabis has the support