New Zealand - Cannabis survey causes controversy (NZ)

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2 mins
2 Nov 2007
TV3 NZ

A row is developing over the reliability of a new survey on relaxing the cannabis laws.

The Drug Foundation, which commissioned the survey, says the figures show there is less support for relaxing the cannabis laws.
But National Organisation for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), which campaigns for liberalisation, says the figures are flawed.

It is the most commonly used illegal substance in the country, but new figures show our attitudes towards the drug have changed.

A study commissioned by the Drug Foundation shows only 19 percent of people want the laws surrounding the use of cannabis liberalised, compared to 60 percent in 2000.

But the NORML says the data is flawed. NORML says in 2000 people were asked whether they wanted continued prohibition, decriminalisation or legalisation but in the latest study they were asked whether laws should be made tougher or more liberal - and if you ask a different question of course the results will change.

The Drug Foundation, however, is standing by the figures and believes attitudes have changed because cannabis has been left out of drug debates.

And it is clear public opinions are divided.

The Green Party wants cannabis back on the political agenda, and the Drug Foundation is now calling for a national debate about cannabis laws.

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