Choosing justice over punishment

December 21, 2019 12:56 PM

"With the 2020 cannabis referendum fast approaching, New Zealanders have a unique opportunity to let the government know what they want from drug reform." The current laws adversely affect the most vulnerable people in NZ society, particularly Māori communities. Repealing prohibition is an opportunity to undo some of the country's systematic racism. (CW: discussion of sexual abuse/trauma)
posted by Gin and Broadband (4 comments total)

Good luck, NZ. Even after "mostly" legalizing Pot in Californium, the largest "legal" marijuana marketing company here along the Central Coast has been shut down and its execs arrested for "licensing violations". Well, cops gotta cop.
posted by oneswellfoop at 4:21 PM on December 21, 2019 [1 favorite]

It's worked pretty well here in Washington. Removes police harassment/arrest of minority community members, because it's just not a thing. Slight increase in traffic fatalities, generally it appears due to alcohol and weed combined not being handled well by some folks.

It's just a good idea. Go NZ.
posted by Windopaene at 5:03 PM on December 21, 2019 [3 favorites]

Canada's federal move has been generally positive, but the lack of rehabilitation and pardons for existing offences that would now be legal is troubling.
posted by scruss at 12:53 PM on December 22, 2019

After New Zealand's complete and utter failure to make the right decision on the last meaningful referendum (flag change), I have no confidence that the public will make the right choice again here also.
posted by Metro Gnome at 6:45 AM on December 26, 2019