cannabisnews.com: Strong MP Support for Cannabis Law Change





Strong MP Support for Cannabis Law Change
Posted by FoM on March 22, 2000 at 17:23:13 PT
Wellington
Source: The Press Online
 Prime Minister Helen Clark says she favours partial decriminalisation of cannabis and a poll of MPs has indicated strong support for her view. One Network News questioned 98 of the 120 MPs in Parliament and reported that 42 would vote to change the law, 35 would not, and 21 were undecided. 
The Government has ordered a review of cannabis law, and if it proposes changing it there will be a conscience vote in Parliament. That means MPs will not be bound by party policy and each one will make their own decision. The issue is whether personal possession of small amounts of the drug for personal use should continue to be a criminal offence. Asked for her opinion, Ms Clark said: "Go for partial decriminalisation like South Australia and the Australian Capital Territory where, if people plead guilty to possession or use of a small amount, you have a straight fine." Health Minister Annette King said she wanted to see what the review showed. "There are issues that need to be discussed ...particularly issues of health," she said. "I don't believe there is any wish in New Zealand to make cannabis legal but I do believe there is a wish for us to look at some partial decriminalisation of the drug." Partial decriminalisation could mean that someone found with a small amount of cannabis for personal use would not go to court and face a criminal conviction. Instead, there would be a fine. New Zealand News from The Press - Thursday, March 23, 2000Related Articles:Govt Review on Cannabis Likely Soonhttp://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread5092.shtmlAust Trip To Review Drug Lawshttp://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread4415.shtmlMS Sufferers Welcome Drug Movehttp://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread4094.shtml 
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