Dunedin Coalition for Cannabis Law Reform
Cannabis report step in right direction: Call for amnesty for cannabis users.
Dunedin cannabis law reformer Duncan Eddy has welcomed the release of the Health Select Committee cannabis report,
which is another step in a long overdue reform of cannabis laws.
“The report has offered no grounds for the continuation of cannabis prohibition. It recommends that the Expert Advisory
Committee on Drugs and the Justice and Electoral Committee both inquire into the most suitable legal framework for
cannabis.” Said Mr Eddy.
“Prohibition is obviously on it‘s way to the scrap heap, and I‘m glad. This law hurts people and gets in the way of
effective drug education and health treatment.” “However, after waiting so long for the report to be released, it is
disappointing that the HSC inquiry has called for another inquiry before prohibition is discarded. One New Zealander is
arrested on cannabis charges every 22 minutes. This further wait will only mean more suffering for the victims of
cannabis prohibition in the short term.” “The government should place an amnesty on cannabis users while the relevant
committees work on the details of the law change.”