Sheathed in a cloud of smoke, more than 100 people have gathered on the New Zealand parliament's front lawn to promote the benefits of cannabis over its legal counterparts alcohol and tobacco.

The protest was part of the Armistice Tour - a nationwide promotion of cannabis law reform.

Despite the presence of police and parliamentary security guards many of those present were openly smoking cannabis cigarettes.

Spokesman Dakta Green told NZPA cannabis was a more natural, healthier option than other drugs and did not fuel crime.

"You smoke a toke on a joint right now, you're not going to all of a sudden going to be overcome with the urge to go out and rob a bank or belt somebody over the head.