Regulation Will Make Cannabis R18

The Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party is renewing calls to regulate cannabis after 12 high school students were found possessing the drug in Wellington. Currently cannabis is completely unregulated and controlled by a criminal black-market. The Cannabis Party advocate an R18 age limit for cannabis.

Sadly the profits which promote the black market trade, are making it easier and easier for teenagers to buy Cannabis. In fact it is now harder for teenagers to buy Alcohol or Tobacco. As a result Cannabis use is widespread in all New Zealand high schools, not just Scots College.

Cannabis Regulation would allow an R18 purchase age. As long as New Zealand continues with prohibition we will be unable to place any regulations on the cannabis economy, nor will we be able to prevent criminals pushing hard drugs on teenage cannabis users.

By regulating cannabis alongside Alcohol and Tobacco, we could impose an R18 age limit, introduce community based regulation of cannabis (with licensing trusts) and break the gateway to hard drugs and organised crime.

Prosecuting these teenagers will destroy their future prospects far more than any drug could. Perpetuating the failed Drug War policy will only lead to more harm. The solution to the problem of teenage drug use and abuse is staring us in the face: Cannabis Regulation.

ENDS

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