The most recent Ministry of Health study found that of 400,000 New Zealanders who use cannabis, a whopping 42% do so for medicinal purposes, to alleviate pain or nausea. It’s time for our laws to catch up with what is already happening – so those suffering don’t risk jail for no reason other than archiac, cruel laws.
Going down a pharmaceutical route is going to price cannabis out of people’s hands. Until people can legally grow their own cannabis or designate someone to grow it, patients across Aotearoa are likely to remain criminals. We can do better than this.
The Green Party has always campaigned for a compassionate approach to medicinal cannabis, and as a partner of the Government we want to see this done right. Supporting my bill through to Select Committee will ensure the best range of options for medicinal cannabis law change are debated by the public.
Sincerely,
Chlöe Swarbrick
Green Party MP
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