New Zealand: final draft of cannabis legalization published

New Zealand has published the final draft of its plan to legalize cannabis, which will be put to the popular vote in a national referendum this September.

First details of the measure were published in December.  On Friday, the government shared the complete proposal, which would make it legal for adults aged 20 and over to buy and possess cannabis and grow two plants for personal use. On-site coffeeshops would also be authorized.

Individuals will be able to buy up to 14g of cannabis from authorized retailers and offer up to 14g to another adult.

Medical cannabis and hemp will not be affected by the outcome of the referendum. Visit first will always be authorized if prescribed by a doctor, and hemp will still be legal.

If more than 50% of voters approve legalization, cannabis would not be immediately legalized. Lawmakers would then have to pass the bill after taking public comment on the reform.

Once regulation is in place, stores will be able to sell fresh and dried cannabis, cuttings and seeds. The future regulator will then be able to approve «the introduction of other licensed products for sale, including concentrates and edible cannabis products, through regulations».

The government explained that the aim of the legislation is to mitigate the illicit market, promote public health and ensure quality control of cannabis products. Cannabis companies will not be able to advertise.

According to a report published this week by the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research, the country is expected to generate $490 million a year in tax revenue from legal cannabis sales.

The three main political parties have reached agreement on the basic details of the referendum on legalization. and published this information in May 2019.

It remains to be seen whether New Zealand voters will support the proposal. One of the most recent surveys, published in March, showed that 54% of residents are in favor of legalizing cannabis for personal use, an increase of 6 points since the previous survey.