Some Law Commission proposals good but 'bullshit' laws will remain

Law Commission recommendations to remove penalties for minor drug
offences is supported by the Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party (ALCP) but
continuing to prosecute social dealers makes a mockery of the proposal.

While the Law Commission supports “presumption against imprisonment
” for social dealing it is totally unacceptable to have any penalty
according to ALCP president Paul McMullan.

“If personal possession is allowed why prosecute social dealers and
personal cannabis growers?” he said.

“It would still be impossible to possess personal amounts without
engaging in criminal activity.”

Rules surrounding industrial hemp and medical marijuana have already
begun to be relaxed in New Zealand. Allowing cannabis for personal use
would be another step in the right direction.

In 2008 ALCP asked then Prime Minister Helen Clark about her views on
cannabis. She favoured “partial-prohibition” as a potential option.

“I think we need to have a continuing and rational debate about what
the best form of the law is and look at what is happening in other
western countries where there is a wider range of approaches,” Ms Clark
said.

The Law Commission report failed to apply partial-prohibition to supply
and cultivation and therefore maximises harms created by the black
market.

The recommendations continue to support up to 7 years jail for growing
cannabis and 8 year jail for supply.

ALCP policy allows commercial cultivation and supply of cannabis within
a regulated and taxable market.

“The Law Commission recommendations will not undermine prohibition,
which is the prime cause of drug related harm,” Mr McMullan said.

“They see profits made from cannabis as serious crime rather than a
taxable income which could boost the economy.”

“A Police officer testified in court that I said cannabis laws are
'fucking bullshit', I haven't changed my view since,” he concluded.