MEDIA RELEASE

30 January 2018

Rejection of Green’s ‘Medicinal’ Marijuana Bill Welcomed

Family First NZ is welcoming National’s rejection of the Green’s private members bill on medicinal marijuana, and is now calling on NZ First MPs to reject it also.

“It makes no sense for two bills on the same issue to be considered at the same time. That is a waste of taxpayer resource. The government should have confidence in what it is proposing and allow that to be analysed and tested by submissions made to the Select Committee,” says Bob McCoskrie, National Director of Family First NZ.

“Labour, NZ First and National should reject any association with the Green’s private members bill which is effectively a ‘grow your own dope’ option. We support the government’s cautious and researched approach around this issue, and we also support a compassionate response to those in real need. But the Green’s private members bill fails the test in terms of public health, public safety, and protecting our young people and the Government is right to steer clear of it. No other medicine is lit up and inhaled as proposed by the Green’s bill. We need to say no to ‘medicinal marijuana’, and yes to ‘medicinal cannabinoids’ products.”

Family First is supporting the rapid expansion of further quality research into the components of the marijuana plant for delivery via non-smoked forms, and the establishment of a programme that allows seriously ill patients to obtain other non-smoked components of marijuana approved and listed by the Ministry of Health via their doctor – with appropriate funding and pricing for patients. Neurologists, palliative care and pain specialists should have a key role in this process.

Briefing Paper sent to all MPs www.SayNopeToDope.nz/medicinal/

ENDS

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