United statement on cannabis misleading
Progressive MP Matt Robson says a press statement issued today in the name of United Future Outdoor MP Judy Turner on
cannabis is misleading.
A statement was issued in Ms. Turner's name which implies that the government has been able to change the legal status
of cannabis merely by "ministerial sign-off" but that somehow United has now stopped this possibility from happening in
the future.
"There never was a possibility of a minister in this or any government merely signing-off on a change to the legal
status of any drug, let alone cannabis!
"Parliament always had a vote on the legal status of drugs like cannabis.
“The existing mechanism to re-classify a substance under the Misuse of Drugs Act requires (1) expert advice, (2)
ministerial acceptance, (3) an Order-in-Council that is required to go to the Health Select Committee and (4) any change
must first win an affirmative resolution by a majority in Parliament. This is all set out in the Standing Orders.
"The Progressive Party opposes any change to the current illegal status of cannabis unless or until a broad consensus
emerges in the scientific world that the drug poses no significant health risks.
"So long as a majority in our Parliament continue to share our pre-cautionary approach, then there will be no change to
the illegal status of cannabis," Matt Robson said.