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Dr. Baddock said that NZMA has opposed the legalization of cannabis since 2012, saying it should be decriminalized and treated as a health problem.
But that has changed now.
“Each member, however, has the absolute right to vote in the cannabis legalization and control referendum. The NZMA will have no position on the referendum itself.”
Dr. Baddock told RNZ last week that NZMA “did nothing” to further report on its position when the referendum was announced. He also admitted that he did not consult members before previously opting to oppose the legalization of cannabis. New Zealanders will be asked in the elections if they believe recreational use of cannabis should be legal.
The cannabis referendum is non-binding, meaning that even if more than 50 percent of voters cast a ‘yes’ vote, it would not be immediately legalized. Instead, a bill would be presented to Parliament after the elections that would legalize and control cannabis, and the public would be invited to comment on how the new laws might work.
Dr. Baddock said in her letter that if the vote is in favor of legalizing recreational cannabis, the NZMA “will fully engage with all of its members” to help inform her presentation.
