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Garner argued that pushing for decriminalization might have been an appropriate option, to which Swarbrick responded that removing criminal penalties for cannabis-related offenses would still leave the prevalent drug illegal and unregulated.
“Decriminalization simply removes criminal penalties for people who use the substance,” he said.
“Will adding another drug to the mix, legalizing another drug, make this country better?” Garner asked.
“Anyone in this country right now, if they want to get their hands on cannabis, they can,” Swarbrick replied. “It’s about putting controls and regulations around that to reduce that use and inform people of the harm.”
A common argument against legalization is that legalization sends the wrong message, indicating that it is acceptable for New Zealanders to use cannabis recreationally. Alternatively, decriminalization means that the legal system could not prosecute a person for cannabis-related crimes, such as possession or use, releasing approximately $ 300 million per year in funds for surveillance and law enforcement, but does not legalize the use of cannabis. drug.
“Legalizing something says, ‘okay, here it is, it’s okay, and by the way, the store is around the corner,'” Garner insisted, adding that legalization will not eliminate the black market or end the people use it to get past the restrictions.
Swarbrick referenced the success of Canada, the second country in the world to legalize and regulate cannabis, in securing control of 50 percent of all sales and supply within two years.
“After two years in Canada, they have managed to control half of the sale and supply,” he replied. “Two years.”
It also drew parallels between the Cannabis Legalization and Control Bill and New Zealand’s quest to reduce the prevalence of smoking and the availability of tobacco by 2025. Smoke-free Aotearoa 2025 proposed enabling limits on tobacco supply, eliminating the advertising and sponsorship, and providing greater support and education – restrictions that cannot be implemented for cannabis as long as it remains illegal.
“Are we aware of the additional health cost for district health boards across the country?” Garner asked.
“Duncan, you’re pulling straws here, because this problem, as you just stipulated, exists right now,” he said.
“Anyone in this country has access to cannabis, 80 percent of New Zealanders will use it by age 21.”
