The majority of the Maoris, the original indigenous people who inhabit New Zealand, have voted in favor of adult cannabis legalization for recreational use, according to some recent surveys published in the media. Also the Maoris, being expert cultivators of cannabis, are asking that they be free to cultivate the crop and benefit from it as a community development initiative aimed at bringing sustainable economic development to their lives. The cannabis varieties found in New Zealand could have evolved locally over thousands of years to become indigenous local varieties found only in New Zealand. Like indigenous communities elsewhere in the world, the local Maori communities may have integrated cannabis in their way of life using it as food, building material, ropes, fabrics, etc besides using it for recreational and medicinal purposes. Some of these communities are probably still doing so.
Modern New Zealanders who migrated from Europe and settled down in New Zealand have disrupted this sustainable way of life and replaced it from the 1930s with their European lifestyles that include modern petrochemicals, pharmaceutical drugs, alcohol and dangerous synthetic drugs. The prohibition of cannabis pushed through by the US globally found easy resonance with the new settlers of New Zealand who believed, and largely still believe, the propaganda that the herb was harmful. Now as the US, Canada and many other parts of the world move towards legalization, New Zealand too made some headway in this direction in 2020.
Modern New Zealanders who migrated from Europe and settled down in New Zealand have disrupted this sustainable way of life and replaced it from the 1930s with their European lifestyles that include modern petrochemicals, pharmaceutical drugs, alcohol and dangerous synthetic drugs. The prohibition of cannabis pushed through by the US globally found easy resonance with the new settlers of New Zealand who believed, and largely still believe, the propaganda that the herb was harmful. Now as the US, Canada and many other parts of the world move towards legalization, New Zealand too made some headway in this direction in 2020.
In September, 2020, New Zealand held a referendum to gauge public opinion on cannabis legalization. As the build up to the referendum happened, the fissures in New Zealand society started to surface. As mentioned above, the original inhabitants of the country, the Maoris, are overwhelmingly in favor of legalization. A lot of newer inhabitants of the country, carrying their prejudices against the herb from wherever they came, are however against legalization. If the white supremacist attack was not a sign of the divisions in the country, the cannabis referendum was a clear indicator. School principals, church organizations and the usual suspects, the pharma industry, were quite vocal in their opposition to legalization. The prime minister chose to sit on the fence and not make her views public before the referendum. Finally, the outcome of the referendum showed a near 50-50 split between those for and those against the legalization move. Normally, if nearly 50% of a population say they want something that is a matter of personal liberty, such as food or religion, then there is no question of banning it. However, in the case of cannabis, a near 50% vote in favor of legalization was not sufficient to change the laws. The country's lawmakers chose to follow the wishes of the 50% who opposed it, a 50% that chose not to respect the fact that cannabis is a personal choice and that if they did not approve of it, all that they needed to do was to not consume it, there being no necessity to show intolerance to the choice of the other 50% that asked for legalization.
Keeping a natural herb like cannabis illegal while much more dangerous drugs like cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, synthetic cannabis, novel psychotropic substances, and abuse of prescription drugs to move in to take its place is the story of most countries and New Zealand is no different. The UNODC World Drug Report 2020 says - 'The main cocaine markets continue to be North America and Western
and Central Europe, with a prevalence of use of 2.1 per cent and 1.4
per cent, respectively, while the highest prevalence of past-year
cocaine use is in Australia and New Zealand, at 2.2 per cent of the
population aged 15–64.' The report also speaks of methamphetamine being locally manufactured as well as being trafficked into New Zealand from countries in North America and South East Asia and even from as far as Canada. It says - 'Methamphetamine found in Australia and New Zealand is both locally
manufactured and, to a larger extent, imported from North America and
Asia...The United States was also the main
source country of the methamphetamine found in New Zealand in 2018,
followed by Canada and, in SouthEast Asia, by Malaysia and the Lao
People’s Democratic Republic'
Documenting, researching, creating seed banks, nurturing and reviving all possible native indigenous varieties of cannabis and looking to scale up agriculture, industry, medicine and recreational usage should be some of the top priorities of the New Zealand government.The country must move to full adult recreational cannabis including home growing for the plant to be fully accessible to all the people who need it especially the poor, the sick, the elderly, youth, women, minorities and indigenous tribal communities, as well as to truly leverage the plant's wonderful and diverse properties. Countries like New Zealand must also support cannabis legalization for adult recreational use at the UN as the problems that New Zealand faces are the problems that the world at large faces and collective action is needed to protect local communities, plant diversity and to detox the world from its unsustainable petrochemical and pharmaceutical addictions. The toll on public health and the environment as a result is large, especially in a environmentally rich and fragile country like New Zealand. It is of utmost importance for the New Zealand government to realize the benefits and sustainability of cannabis and look to revive and protect the precious plant and the communities associated with it.
In December 2020, the UN voted to remove cannabis from its most
restricted Schedule IV category of the 1961 Single Convention on
Narcotic Drugs. It does however still remain in Schedule I, which is the
least restrictive. This one move by the UN itself should be sufficient
to bring about the recreational legalization of cannabis in every nation
and an overhaul of national drug laws.
Listed below are articles taken from various media related to the above subject. Words in italics are the thoughts of your truly at the time of reading the article.
'Cannabis exposure does not negatively impact the lungs in a manner consistent with tobacco, nor is it similarly linked to elevated rates of either COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) or lung cancer, according a literature review published in the journal Addiction.
A team of New Zealand researchers reviewed clinical trial data assessing the impact of cannabis smoke exposure on the lungs. They report that "the effects of smoking cannabis on the lungs are distinct from tobacco."
Specifically, they write: "[I]t has been pragmatic to assume that cannabis and tobacco would have similar respiratory effects. ... The research that has been done, however, offers a different story. The most common serious respiratory consequences from smoking tobacco are Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and lung cancer. Epidemiological evidence that smoking cannabis causes either of these is scant."'
https://norml.org/news/2020/04/23/review-cannabis-smoke-exposure-is-distinct-from-tobacco-not-associated-with-copd-or-lung-cancer
'The coronavirus pandemic sweeping the globe is not expected to affect the initial launch of New Zealand’s medical cannabis scheme, which is set to take effect April 1, a government official told Marijuana Business Daily.
Other jurisdictions – notably Mexico – have pending cannabis industry legislation that faces near-certain delay because of measures taken to combat COVID-19.
New Zealand finalized the regulatory foundation for its medical cannabis sector in December, making a key concession by not requiring specialist approval for prescriptions.
The country is going to rely on imports to meet local demand, creating short-term export opportunities for businesses in countries with functional regulatory regimes, such as Canada and the Netherlands.'
https://mjbizdaily.com/new-zealand-cannabis-scheme-on-schedule-for-april-launch-despite-covid-19-pandemic/
'Key guidance material and forms for New Zealand’s medical cannabis program have been published, and the Medicinal Cannabis Agency says it is ready to accept business applications.
“The Medicinal Cannabis Scheme has now come into effect,” the agency wrote in an email to stakeholders'
https://mjbizdaily.com/new-zealand-commences-medical-cannabis-scheme/
Super...
' A person may grow not more than two cannabis plants, and the maximum number of plants that can be grown on a property is set at four.
The bill proposes to limit a person 20 or older to no more than 14 grams of dried cannabis, or its equivalent, in their possession in a public place.
To be eligible to hold licenses, an individual must reside in New Zealand.
To be eligible to hold licenses, a corporate body must be incorporated in New Zealand or all the partners of the partnership reside in New Zealand.
“The first products to become available would be dried and fresh cannabis, plants and seeds. As time goes by, more product types would be permitted via regulation including edibles and concentrates,” wrote Rhys Cohen, FreshLeaf’s principal consultant, in an analysis.'
https://mjbizdaily.com/new-zealand-issues-unprecedented-recreational-cannabis-bill-ahead-of-referendum/
'MediPharm Labs Australia agreed to supply a company in New Zealand with white label medical cannabis oil products.
New Zealand’s medical cannabis scheme commenced in April. But until the country’s domestic producers are licensed and fully operational, New Zealand will rely on imports to meet demand.
New Zealand company Cannasouth Limited will have exclusive rights to the formulation and dosage forms set out in the two-year deal.'
https://mjbizdaily.com/medipharm-labs-australia-inks-deal-to-supply-new-zealand-with-medical-cannabis/
'The measure, entitled the Cannabis Legalisation and Control Bill, is one of two ballot questions that will be decided alongside the General Election on September 19, 2020.
The binding referendum mandates lawmakers to establish rules and regulations permitting the commercial production and retail sale of cannabis and cannabis-infused products. Those 20 years of age or older would be permitted to purchase up to 14 grams of herbal cannabis per day, or to grow their own plants (up to four plants per household).'
https://norml.org/news/2020/05/07/new-zealand-voters-to-decide-on-national-marijuana-legalization-referendum
'Israel Adesanya has called for a change to New Zealand's "backwards" cannabis law ahead of this September's referendum on the drug's legalisation.
The Kiwi UFC champion has made no secret of his use of marijuana and unapologetically posts about it on his social media accounts.
Adesanya says he believes cannabis has been victim to generations of misinformation and "propaganda".
"Everyone knows I smoke," Adesanya told Newshub. "Everyone knows I partake in the plant.'
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=12334936
'The Drug Foundation launches its "Vote Yes - On Our Terms" campaign today, featuring Clark and others including child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr Hinemoa Elder, former police detective Tim McKinnel, law lecturer Khylee Quince and Ecostore founders Malcolm and Melanie Rands.
Each outlines the reasons why they'll vote for change. Clark isn't a supporter of cannabis itself but says keeping it illegal and unregulated only adds to harm and wastes resources; Elder likes that a regulated system would control the drug's potency and quality.'
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12336334
In other words, pharma companies and doctors need more time to milk medical cannabis before recreational legalization...America and Europe have engaged with medical cannabis for decades now to protect their medical industry...New York's medical cannabis industry is still fighting recreational legalization desperately to stay alive...the longer recreational use is delayed, the more monetary benefit for the medical industry..no societal benefit..
'Elizabeth Plant, Chief Medical Officer at Eqalis says they are not against cannabis reform as such but are very concerned about the timing.
“There is a significant societal benefit in ensuring that doctors and patients have the opportunity and time to engage properly with medical cannabis to make sure they have access to the right formulas for specific conditions in order to get full benefit for their medical conditions.'
https://www.nzdoctor.co.nz/article/undoctored/leading-medical-cannabis-firm-votes-no-cannabis-referendum
'Globally, an estimated 19 million people were pastyear users of cocaine in 2018, corresponding to 0.4 per cent of the global population aged 15–64. The main cocaine markets continue to be North America and Western and Central Europe, with a prevalence of use of 2.1 per cent and 1.4 per cent, respectively, while the highest prevalence of past-year cocaine use is in Australia and New Zealand, at 2.2 per cent of the population aged 15–64. Cocaine use is also higher than the global average in Central America (0.7 per cent) and South America (1.0 per cent).' - United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, World Drug Report 2020, https://wdr.unodc.org/wdr2020/field/WDR20_Booklet_2.pdf
'A growing majority of New Zealanders support legalising cannabis for personal use, according to a new poll just three months from a national referendum.
Licensed medicinal cannabis company Helius Therapeutics commissioned the independent Horizon Research survey of nearly 1600 Kiwis. It found 56 per cent of respondents plan to vote for legalising cannabis for personal use on September 19.
Support for legalising pot continues to grow after the last Horizon poll in February registered 54 per cent support for the bill.
The poll also found women, at 59 per cent, favoured legalisation more than men, at 52 per cent.'
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12343541
'Nearly three-quarters of Maori support legalising cannabis for personal use, with 84% believing prohibition has failed to limit cannabis access and use, according to an independent survey.
Less than 12 weeks out from the General Election, 72% of Maori say they will vote for legalising the personal use of cannabis at the referendum, with just 27% opposed. This compares to overall support for cannabis legalisation at 56%, when nearly 1,600 Kiwis were asked last month by Horizon Research.'
https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO2007/S00023/maori-strongly-support-cannabis-reform-ahead-of-referendum.htm
'The upward trend in support caught the eye of rapper and actor Snoop Dogg, who threw his support behind the legalisation of cannabis in New Zealand.
Taking to Facebook, Snoop Dogg referenced Lord of the Rings character Gandalf in his pro-cannabis post.
"Gandalf smoking that good good," he wrote while linking to a Merry Jane article which discusses the growing support for cannabis in New Zealand.'
https://www.odt.co.nz/news/national/snoop-doggs-message-nz-over-cannabis-referendum
'The United States, for example, has been reported by other countries as a country of departure of methamphetamine for Oceania (Australia and New Zealand), Asia (Japan, the Philippines, Hong Kong, China and Mongolia) and Europe (Ireland). Moreover, methamphetamine trafficking has been reported not only from Mexico or from Canada into the United States but also from the United States to those two countries, suggesting a number of two-way trafficking flows across the countries of North America. Methamphetamine trafficked from Canada has been reported in the United States, South America (Chile), Oceania (Australia and New Zealand) and a few countries in Europe (Iceland and Latvia).' - United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, World Drug Report 2020, https://wdr.unodc.org/wdr2020/field/WDR20_Booklet_3.pdf
'While methamphetamine trafficking flows from East and South-East Asia to countries outside the subregion remain modest, some smuggling to destinations around the world was reported, mainly smuggling from Malaysia, Thailand and Myanmar in 2018 or, when the period is extended to the past five years, mainly from China and Thailand. Destinations outside the subregion included countries in South Asia, the Near and Middle East (Saudi Arabia as well as Israel), Oceania (Australia and New Zealand), North America (the United States as well as Canada), Western Europe (notably Switzerland as well as Italy, Germany, France, Spain and Iceland), Eastern Europe (notably the Russian Federation) and Africa (notably South Africa) over the period 2014–2018' - United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, World Drug Report 2020, https://wdr.unodc.org/wdr2020/field/WDR20_Booklet_3.pdf
'Methamphetamine found in Australia and New Zealand is both locally manufactured and, to a larger extent, imported from North America and Asia. In the fiscal year 2017/18, methamphetamine was mainly smuggled into Australia from the United States, followed by Thailand, Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates, Canada, China (including Hong Kong, China), Mexico, Lebanon, Viet Nam and India. The United States was also the main source country of the methamphetamine found in New Zealand in 2018, followed by Canada and, in SouthEast Asia, by Malaysia and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic' - United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, World Drug Report 2020, https://wdr.unodc.org/wdr2020/field/WDR20_Booklet_3.pdf
Afghanistan and Mexico source the heroin and morphine. Mexico, Thailand, Myanmar and China source the methamphetamine. The Middle East and Eastern Europe sources the amphetamine. The US consumes heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine. Europe consumes heroin, morphine, methamphetamine and amphetamine. Asia consumes heroin, morphine and methamphetamine. Australia consumes methamphetamine. The Middle East consumes heroin and amphetamine. West Asia consumes heroin and methamphetamine. All countries grow and consume cannabis. Opioids, methamphetamine and amphetamines kill the most in terms of drug deaths, cannabis kills none. Who are the leading opponents to cannabis legalization and leading enforcers of global anti-cannabis policy? The countries involved the most in heroin, morphine, amphetamines and methamphetamines. They put on a mask of concern about harms from drugs, produce, sell and consume the most dangerous synthetic drugs and vehemently oppose cannabis legalization worldwide while clandestinely feeding their habits and protecting their sources. They use arms and armies to protect and promote their synthetic drug habits, and drug money to fund and wage a war on cannabis everywhere, pushing man and planet ever closer to death on massive scales and away from the safe, healing cannabis herb...
Jul 10, 2020, 1:14 PM
'We also summarise the evidence relating to our current cannabis laws, to show what the impacts of maintaining the status quo might be. For example, the life-long collateral consequences of a drug conviction have detrimental social outcomes on individuals, whanau, and communities. Maori are disproportionately impacted by cannabis-related arrests and convictions and – despite recent changes to the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 that affirm police discretion to take a health-oriented approach – this is unlikely to change while cannabis remains illegal.
The impacts of legalising cannabis are wide-ranging, including changes to social outcomes, public health outcomes and criminal justice. There may be some outcomes people haven’t yet considered, and we hope that having accessible information from trusted sources helps New Zealanders in their decision-making process.'
https://twitter.com/ChiefSciAdvisor/status/1280276739839496192
A team of New Zealand researchers reviewed clinical trial data assessing the impact of cannabis smoke exposure on the lungs. They report that "the effects of smoking cannabis on the lungs are distinct from tobacco."
Specifically, they write: "[I]t has been pragmatic to assume that cannabis and tobacco would have similar respiratory effects. ... The research that has been done, however, offers a different story. The most common serious respiratory consequences from smoking tobacco are Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and lung cancer. Epidemiological evidence that smoking cannabis causes either of these is scant."'
https://norml.org/news/2020/04/23/review-cannabis-smoke-exposure-is-distinct-from-tobacco-not-associated-with-copd-or-lung-cancer
'The coronavirus pandemic sweeping the globe is not expected to affect the initial launch of New Zealand’s medical cannabis scheme, which is set to take effect April 1, a government official told Marijuana Business Daily.
Other jurisdictions – notably Mexico – have pending cannabis industry legislation that faces near-certain delay because of measures taken to combat COVID-19.
New Zealand finalized the regulatory foundation for its medical cannabis sector in December, making a key concession by not requiring specialist approval for prescriptions.
The country is going to rely on imports to meet local demand, creating short-term export opportunities for businesses in countries with functional regulatory regimes, such as Canada and the Netherlands.'
https://mjbizdaily.com/new-zealand-cannabis-scheme-on-schedule-for-april-launch-despite-covid-19-pandemic/
'Key guidance material and forms for New Zealand’s medical cannabis program have been published, and the Medicinal Cannabis Agency says it is ready to accept business applications.
“The Medicinal Cannabis Scheme has now come into effect,” the agency wrote in an email to stakeholders'
https://mjbizdaily.com/new-zealand-commences-medical-cannabis-scheme/
Super...
' A person may grow not more than two cannabis plants, and the maximum number of plants that can be grown on a property is set at four.
The bill proposes to limit a person 20 or older to no more than 14 grams of dried cannabis, or its equivalent, in their possession in a public place.
To be eligible to hold licenses, an individual must reside in New Zealand.
To be eligible to hold licenses, a corporate body must be incorporated in New Zealand or all the partners of the partnership reside in New Zealand.
“The first products to become available would be dried and fresh cannabis, plants and seeds. As time goes by, more product types would be permitted via regulation including edibles and concentrates,” wrote Rhys Cohen, FreshLeaf’s principal consultant, in an analysis.'
https://mjbizdaily.com/new-zealand-issues-unprecedented-recreational-cannabis-bill-ahead-of-referendum/
'MediPharm Labs Australia agreed to supply a company in New Zealand with white label medical cannabis oil products.
New Zealand’s medical cannabis scheme commenced in April. But until the country’s domestic producers are licensed and fully operational, New Zealand will rely on imports to meet demand.
New Zealand company Cannasouth Limited will have exclusive rights to the formulation and dosage forms set out in the two-year deal.'
https://mjbizdaily.com/medipharm-labs-australia-inks-deal-to-supply-new-zealand-with-medical-cannabis/
'The measure, entitled the Cannabis Legalisation and Control Bill, is one of two ballot questions that will be decided alongside the General Election on September 19, 2020.
The binding referendum mandates lawmakers to establish rules and regulations permitting the commercial production and retail sale of cannabis and cannabis-infused products. Those 20 years of age or older would be permitted to purchase up to 14 grams of herbal cannabis per day, or to grow their own plants (up to four plants per household).'
https://norml.org/news/2020/05/07/new-zealand-voters-to-decide-on-national-marijuana-legalization-referendum
'Israel Adesanya has called for a change to New Zealand's "backwards" cannabis law ahead of this September's referendum on the drug's legalisation.
The Kiwi UFC champion has made no secret of his use of marijuana and unapologetically posts about it on his social media accounts.
Adesanya says he believes cannabis has been victim to generations of misinformation and "propaganda".
"Everyone knows I smoke," Adesanya told Newshub. "Everyone knows I partake in the plant.'
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=12334936
'The Drug Foundation launches its "Vote Yes - On Our Terms" campaign today, featuring Clark and others including child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr Hinemoa Elder, former police detective Tim McKinnel, law lecturer Khylee Quince and Ecostore founders Malcolm and Melanie Rands.
Each outlines the reasons why they'll vote for change. Clark isn't a supporter of cannabis itself but says keeping it illegal and unregulated only adds to harm and wastes resources; Elder likes that a regulated system would control the drug's potency and quality.'
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12336334
In other words, pharma companies and doctors need more time to milk medical cannabis before recreational legalization...America and Europe have engaged with medical cannabis for decades now to protect their medical industry...New York's medical cannabis industry is still fighting recreational legalization desperately to stay alive...the longer recreational use is delayed, the more monetary benefit for the medical industry..no societal benefit..
'Elizabeth Plant, Chief Medical Officer at Eqalis says they are not against cannabis reform as such but are very concerned about the timing.
“There is a significant societal benefit in ensuring that doctors and patients have the opportunity and time to engage properly with medical cannabis to make sure they have access to the right formulas for specific conditions in order to get full benefit for their medical conditions.'
https://www.nzdoctor.co.nz/article/undoctored/leading-medical-cannabis-firm-votes-no-cannabis-referendum
'Globally, an estimated 19 million people were pastyear users of cocaine in 2018, corresponding to 0.4 per cent of the global population aged 15–64. The main cocaine markets continue to be North America and Western and Central Europe, with a prevalence of use of 2.1 per cent and 1.4 per cent, respectively, while the highest prevalence of past-year cocaine use is in Australia and New Zealand, at 2.2 per cent of the population aged 15–64. Cocaine use is also higher than the global average in Central America (0.7 per cent) and South America (1.0 per cent).' - United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, World Drug Report 2020, https://wdr.unodc.org/wdr2020/field/WDR20_Booklet_2.pdf
'A growing majority of New Zealanders support legalising cannabis for personal use, according to a new poll just three months from a national referendum.
Licensed medicinal cannabis company Helius Therapeutics commissioned the independent Horizon Research survey of nearly 1600 Kiwis. It found 56 per cent of respondents plan to vote for legalising cannabis for personal use on September 19.
Support for legalising pot continues to grow after the last Horizon poll in February registered 54 per cent support for the bill.
The poll also found women, at 59 per cent, favoured legalisation more than men, at 52 per cent.'
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12343541
'Nearly three-quarters of Maori support legalising cannabis for personal use, with 84% believing prohibition has failed to limit cannabis access and use, according to an independent survey.
Less than 12 weeks out from the General Election, 72% of Maori say they will vote for legalising the personal use of cannabis at the referendum, with just 27% opposed. This compares to overall support for cannabis legalisation at 56%, when nearly 1,600 Kiwis were asked last month by Horizon Research.'
https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO2007/S00023/maori-strongly-support-cannabis-reform-ahead-of-referendum.htm
'The upward trend in support caught the eye of rapper and actor Snoop Dogg, who threw his support behind the legalisation of cannabis in New Zealand.
Taking to Facebook, Snoop Dogg referenced Lord of the Rings character Gandalf in his pro-cannabis post.
"Gandalf smoking that good good," he wrote while linking to a Merry Jane article which discusses the growing support for cannabis in New Zealand.'
https://www.odt.co.nz/news/national/snoop-doggs-message-nz-over-cannabis-referendum
'The United States, for example, has been reported by other countries as a country of departure of methamphetamine for Oceania (Australia and New Zealand), Asia (Japan, the Philippines, Hong Kong, China and Mongolia) and Europe (Ireland). Moreover, methamphetamine trafficking has been reported not only from Mexico or from Canada into the United States but also from the United States to those two countries, suggesting a number of two-way trafficking flows across the countries of North America. Methamphetamine trafficked from Canada has been reported in the United States, South America (Chile), Oceania (Australia and New Zealand) and a few countries in Europe (Iceland and Latvia).' - United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, World Drug Report 2020, https://wdr.unodc.org/wdr2020/field/WDR20_Booklet_3.pdf
'While methamphetamine trafficking flows from East and South-East Asia to countries outside the subregion remain modest, some smuggling to destinations around the world was reported, mainly smuggling from Malaysia, Thailand and Myanmar in 2018 or, when the period is extended to the past five years, mainly from China and Thailand. Destinations outside the subregion included countries in South Asia, the Near and Middle East (Saudi Arabia as well as Israel), Oceania (Australia and New Zealand), North America (the United States as well as Canada), Western Europe (notably Switzerland as well as Italy, Germany, France, Spain and Iceland), Eastern Europe (notably the Russian Federation) and Africa (notably South Africa) over the period 2014–2018' - United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, World Drug Report 2020, https://wdr.unodc.org/wdr2020/field/WDR20_Booklet_3.pdf
'Methamphetamine found in Australia and New Zealand is both locally manufactured and, to a larger extent, imported from North America and Asia. In the fiscal year 2017/18, methamphetamine was mainly smuggled into Australia from the United States, followed by Thailand, Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates, Canada, China (including Hong Kong, China), Mexico, Lebanon, Viet Nam and India. The United States was also the main source country of the methamphetamine found in New Zealand in 2018, followed by Canada and, in SouthEast Asia, by Malaysia and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic' - United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, World Drug Report 2020, https://wdr.unodc.org/wdr2020/field/WDR20_Booklet_3.pdf
Afghanistan and Mexico source the heroin and morphine. Mexico, Thailand, Myanmar and China source the methamphetamine. The Middle East and Eastern Europe sources the amphetamine. The US consumes heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine. Europe consumes heroin, morphine, methamphetamine and amphetamine. Asia consumes heroin, morphine and methamphetamine. Australia consumes methamphetamine. The Middle East consumes heroin and amphetamine. West Asia consumes heroin and methamphetamine. All countries grow and consume cannabis. Opioids, methamphetamine and amphetamines kill the most in terms of drug deaths, cannabis kills none. Who are the leading opponents to cannabis legalization and leading enforcers of global anti-cannabis policy? The countries involved the most in heroin, morphine, amphetamines and methamphetamines. They put on a mask of concern about harms from drugs, produce, sell and consume the most dangerous synthetic drugs and vehemently oppose cannabis legalization worldwide while clandestinely feeding their habits and protecting their sources. They use arms and armies to protect and promote their synthetic drug habits, and drug money to fund and wage a war on cannabis everywhere, pushing man and planet ever closer to death on massive scales and away from the safe, healing cannabis herb...
Jul 10, 2020, 1:14 PM
'We also summarise the evidence relating to our current cannabis laws, to show what the impacts of maintaining the status quo might be. For example, the life-long collateral consequences of a drug conviction have detrimental social outcomes on individuals, whanau, and communities. Maori are disproportionately impacted by cannabis-related arrests and convictions and – despite recent changes to the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 that affirm police discretion to take a health-oriented approach – this is unlikely to change while cannabis remains illegal.
The impacts of legalising cannabis are wide-ranging, including changes to social outcomes, public health outcomes and criminal justice. There may be some outcomes people haven’t yet considered, and we hope that having accessible information from trusted sources helps New Zealanders in their decision-making process.'
https://twitter.com/ChiefSciAdvisor/status/1280276739839496192
""Hemp is the only resource on earth that can feed you, clothe you, house you and heal you, however due to legislation in New Zealand at the moment we can only harvest the seed and the stalk and there's rules around how we can sell that."
https://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2018659858/plant-culture-s-cameron-sims-hemp-superfood-recipes-and-push-to-legalise
'Besides benefiting the town (and themselves), the founders have another goal: ensuring that Maori, the indigenous people of New Zealand — who make up 95 percent of Ruatoria’s population — share in the economic gains from the medicinal cannabis industry.
“Our indigenous people here are the masters of growing marijuana,” said Robin Thomson, 54, a grower for Hikurangi, referring to flourishing illegal operations in the area.'
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/18/world/asia/new-zealand-cannabis.html
'Following the bill's passing, Clark said the statutory defence would be available to around 25,000 people who could benefit from palliative care.
"This is compassionate and caring legislation that will make a real difference to people living in pain and nearing the end of their lives," Clark said in a statement.
"Today's vote in Parliament clears the way for the creation of a Medicinal Cannabis Scheme that will allow New Zealand companies to manufacture medicinal cannabis products for both the local and international market."'
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12175064
'Forty-six per cent of Kiwis were in favour of legalisation and 41 per cent were against.
Twelve per cent were undecided.'
https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/kiwis-divided-legalising-cannabis-but-more-in-favour-1-news-poll-reveals
' "It's clear that New Zealanders want a more comprehensive law than the one we are likely to get next week," Manning said.
"We urge MPs to listen to what the overwhelming majority of New Zealanders are telling them. They want broad access to affordable medicinal cannabis products. There is an opportunity for our politicians to make further amendments now, to ensure medicinal cannabis products are readily available to all patients who stand to benefit."'
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=12173823
'“It’s time to do what will work,” New Zealand Minister of Health David Clark said in a press release Thursday. “We need to go harder on the manufactures of dangerous drugs like synthetics, and treat the use of drugs as a health issue by removing barriers to people seeking help.”'
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/new-zealand-government-tells-police-not-to-prosecute-people-for-drug-possession/legalize-cbd-too-not-exactly
'The 2020 referendum to legalise cannabis looks likely to propose a tightly regulated framework, including strict rules on supply and possession, an age limit of at least 18, and a non-profit model where money from sales may be funnelled into health services.
And while it is widely accepted that legalising personal use would not eliminate harm or kill off a black market, a political consensus appears to be emerging that the status quo is broken, but a profit-driven legal market would be just as bad.'
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=12195856
'Seventy-five percent of Maori participating in the survey said they were likely to vote for legalising cannabis for personal use in New Zealand If the referendum were held tomorrow.
That's 15 percent more than a general poll of New Zealanders conducted late last year.
Fourteen percent of Maori said they would vote against, while 11 percent were not sure.
Maori under 55 years are more supportive than those 55 years or over.'
https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/shows/2019/03/poll-reveals-75-percent-of-m-ori-support-legalising-cannabis-for-personal-use.html
'In Parliament today National's Paula Bennett quizzed the Prime Minister on the upcoming cannabis referendum, wanting to know more details about the legislation.
The New Zealand public are set to vote in the 2020 election on whether to legalise recreational cannabis or not.
"When will the cannabis referendum bill be introduced to the House?" Ms Bennett asked Jacinda Ardern in Question Time today.
"The question as to whether or not there would be a bill more broadly, that's something that will be announced once Cabinet has finalised its decisions," Ms Ardern answered. '
https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/bennett-puts-governments-work-ahead-cannabis-referedum-under-miroscope-during-exchange-ardern
'"In the interim, as a compassionate measure, the legislation introduces a legal defence for the terminally ill to use illicit cannabis. That will be available once the legislation is passed into law in coming months," Clark said in a statement.'
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12142231
'Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says New Zealand will not join the countries that are signing up for a war against drugs that US President Donald Trump is pushing at the UN in New York.'
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12130634
'New Zealand will have a referendum on legalising the personal use of cannabis by or at the 2020 general election, as part of the confidence and supply agreement between Labour and the Greens.'
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12139662
The police union head is concerned that post legalization if there is a police shooting and if marijuana is found in the police officer's system it will bias public opinion. How will the public find out such information unless the police choose to make it public? Why would the police make such information public unless they want to implicate marijuana and cover up other potential reasons that may implicate the officer? Arguments against legalization continue to border on the bizarre...
'New Zealanders will have a chance to have their say on whether to legalise recreational use of cannabis in a referendum by, or at, the 2020 general election.'
https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/368483/arrests-for-cannabis-possession-fall-70-percent-in-20-years
Weekly Cannabit from New Frontier Data on the Oceania Market:
- There are an estimated 2.8 million cannabis consumers in Oceania, representing a total addressable market of approximately $5 billion USD.
- While Australia, New Zealand, and Guam have legal medical markets, and the Northern Mariana Islands recently legalized both medical and adult use, the vast majority of the total addressable market remains illicit.
- Much of the demand resides in Australia and New Zealand, the countries with both the highest rates of cannabis use and the highest GDP per capita levels in Oceania.
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