Legalization of cannabis in New Zealand: referendum promises to be close

While the New Zealand will vote on the legalization of cannabis On October 17, and although previous polls had shown a majority in favor of legalization, “YES” supporters are less confident as the referendum approaches.

The combination of COVID and a contentious vote on euthanasia—which has been a major moral battleground in New Zealand—left little room for discussion of the initiative to legalize cannabis.

Support for cannabis legalization in New Zealand thus appears to be declining. A recent poll found that 35% of New Zealanders surveyed supported the reforms, down from 40% in June, 39% in February, and 43% in November 2019. The poll found that 53% oppose legalization in the country, down from 49% in June and 51% in February.

Another poll conducted by Horizon Poll last month revealed that support was split between 49.5% in favor and 49.5% opposed. Previously, The polling firm had measured 56% in support in June (43% opposed), 54% in favor in February (45% opposed), and 48% in favor in November 2019 with 38% opposed. Opposition at 49.5% is the highest level observed since the poll began asking the question in November 2018, when support stood at 60% and opposition was only 24%, with 16% undecided.

«Those who wanted to see a »yes' vote had to convince a reasonable number of people that their previous prohibitionist views were wrong," said declared Andrew Geddis, professor of law at the University of Otago. «So far, it doesn’t seem like they’ve been able to do that, and time is really running out.»

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern recently made headlines when she admitted during a debate that she had smoked cannabis in the past. However, she does not openly support the legalization of cannabis, stating that it is up to the public to decide. Judith Collins, the right-wing candidate, says she does not support the proposal to legalize cannabis.

If legalization passes, Cannabis would be legalized for people over 20 with regulations governing the cultivation and sale of cannabis. Adults would be able to purchase up to 14 grams per day and grow two plants per person and four per household, and consume cannabis in designated areas.

Studies estimate that more than 1.4 billion $NZ could be generated annually through the legalization of cannabis, with projections calling for the opening of 400 stores and the creation of 5,000 new jobs.