Wide support for decriminalisation of cannabis for personal use, poll suggests

The results of the new poll come just months before the Government embarks on a review of the offence and penalty regime for personal possession
New Zealand Herald (New Zealand)
Monday, August 15, 2016

A new poll by the New Zealand Drug Foundation shows almost 65 per cent of New Zealanders want personal possession of cannabis decriminalised or made legal. There is even stronger support to let people use cannabis for pain relief. Prime Minister John Key, however, says decriminalising cannabis would send the wrong message - and he isn't keen on holding a referendum on the issue. Ross Bell, the foundation's executive director, said the results should embolden politicians. "Support for reform is now a majority position. In past polling we have seen it has been in the minority or evenly split. Now it has tipped over." (See also: Path to drug reform not an easy one)