OPINION: The cannabis referendum is a game-changer.

It is a debate that needs to be had, one which cannabis advocates have been fizzing to ignite. It has also been a debate which our Parliament has been steadfast in avoiding, until 2020.

This week, the Government confirmed a referendum at the 2020 election on legalising personal cannabis use.

But if we're honest, the referendum itself is little more than a political honey-pot. It's a sweetener for the young voters the Left needs support from. If they were serious about drug law reform, then we'd be talking about how to make the most out of cannabis.

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We should be talking about how to improve drug law, en masse. City streets are filled with people suffering due to an addiction with synthetic cannabis – maybe the real deal will help? But those discussions seem a long way off.

There is a mounting and genuine argument in favour of legalising recreational marijuana use. No longer can those calling for cannabis legalisation be ignored as dropouts or hippy stoners.

Medical professionals, lawyers, social workers, business people, and yes, stoners, join a fairly united chorus when it comes marijuana. They say it's time to reform our drug laws.

Their arguments make sense. Whether proponents focus on tax revenue, the justice system, business opportunities or the classic "weed is better than alcohol" argument, they all have valid points.

GEORGE HEARD/STUFF The Government has confirmed a cannabis referendum will be held at 2020 election. Christchurch residents offer their views.

The weed debate crosses New Zealand. Young and old, rich and poor, you'll be able to find legalisation supporters anywhere.

I'm not quite sure, then, why we're waiting until 2020 to get cracking on cannabis reform.

Once again, as far as I can see, this decision seems to be all about politics.

STUFF Danyl Strype of Wellington smokes a joint outside the Beehive.

The Green Party pushed for the referendum during confidence and supply talks after the last election. Come 2020, an issue they've brought to the table will be centre stage – good for the Greens.

Meanwhile, NZ First can play it safe. It's not making any decisions, the public is.

And Labour's strategists must be patting themselves on the back for drawing out the weed debate to the election. The Left has a love-hate fascination with the elusive youth vote.

Chris McKeen/Stuff A ground breaking scheme near Ruatoria on the east coast of the North Island is seeing cannabis being legally grown for scientific testing.

A day out from the 2017 election, and there was worry from Labour that it mightn't make it across the line. Veteran political reporter turned Labour spin doctor Vernon Small said many were pinning their hopes on "the hidden youth vote" and late enrolments.

Globally, Left-leaning parties have struggled to entice young voters to polling booths. Those younger voters are presumed to be progressive and therefore Left-leaning.

What better way to rally the progressive youth vote than hold a weed referendum on election day?

VICELAND/SENTINTOSPACE Youth media network Vice sent a spliff to space.

The legalisation of weed seems a natural progression. Most New Zealanders have smoked it at some point, so it's unclear exactly why its possession is still a crime.

Arguments against reform tend to rely on old stereotypes. Those against legalisation seem to believe pot smokers are worthless, long bearded, stoners who shouldn't be listened to.

It is, of course, wrong to say that the green stuff suddenly turns its smokers into lazy life-long no-hopers.

HENRY COOKE/STUFF Justice Minister Andrew Little has confirmed a cannabis referendum will be help at the 2020 election.

The pointless and harmful criminalisation of weed smokers has acted to engage youth with politics – that is perhaps its only positive outcome.

An entire show, every week on student radio station 95bFM is dedicated to marijuana and its impending referendum. They've been preparing for this referendum since before the 2017 election.

The hosts of Marijuana Media tie in cooking classes, political panels and satire to fill their weekly drive-time segment. Likewise, youth media outlet Vice has an entire Sky television channel that pretty much survives off broadcasting shows such as Weediquette.

Considering the near inevitability that weed will be legal for recreational use at some point, and the fact that our current drug laws have failed, Justice Minister Andrew Little should have explained why he is waiting until 2020.

Some important discussions must be had. There are real concerns with the possible commercialisation of marijuana.

Comparisons could be drawn between the alcohol and gambling industries. With alcohol, the companies rely on 20 per cent of their customers to consume 80 per cent of their product.

Instead of holding laying out pot traps in election booths, the Government must start looking for answers.

Who will sell and produce cannabis, if it were legal? How much tax will they take? What measures will be in place to help those who need it? How can we make sure cannabis doesn't end up a scourge on society, like alcohol has?

Let's hope those questions can be answered before the 2020 election. Once we've answered those questions, however, there's really no need for a referendum.

Just because it's a popular discussion point doesn't mean cannabis law needs to be treated any differently from other health issues.

Glenn McConnell is a Stuff journalist and a student.