Economist Gareth Morgan launched his drugs policy last month and said cannabis should be regulated for cultivation, sale, and personal use in New Zealand.

A key figure in the Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party is defecting to Gareth Morgan's The Opportunities Party (TOP) and is urging members to follow him.

Abe Gray said in a statement he was stepping down as president and resigning his membership to throw in his lot with Morgan after the party's cannabis policy launch.

Gray has written an open letter to ALCP members explaining his move.

Supplied Former Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party president Abe Gray

Economist Morgan launched his drugs policy last month and said cannabis should be regulated for cultivation, sale, and personal use in New Zealand.

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Dubbed the 'Real Deal', the policy aimed to reduce harm from cannabis, the party said.

It said the current legislation was not fit for purpose under the 1975 Misuse of Drugs Act.

Gray said Morgan's policy was already having an effect.

"Even without being elected we have seen TOP force sitting politicians like Peter Dunne into changing their head in the sand approach to cannabis reform. But ALCP members know from bitter experience with other parties like the Greens that the establishment parties don't walk the talk once they've been elected," Gray said.

"The Opportunities Party is different. Its evidence based, harm reduction approach is what ALCP members have been wanting for so long and experts in the field recognise TOP's Real Deal Cannabis reform is the way forward.



"We could stay campaigning as a single-issue party and pick up our usual half a percent then watch the old guard return to their do-nothing approach, or throw our support behind TOP, help it reach 5% and finally achieve our goals.



The ALCP has a 20 year political history in New Zealand. Since its long time leader Michael Appleby stood down in 2013 it has gone through several leadership changes. At the last election it polled 0.46 per cent but has polled as high as 1.1 per cent.

Meanwhile Gareth Morgan responded positively to Gray's resignation.

"While we are not a single issue party it is heartening to see a senior member of the ALCP join many other experts and members of the public in endorsing TOP's Real Deal Cannabis reform.

"With our membership now in excess of 3000 we welcome all New Zealanders who recognise the urgent need for evidence based policies to solve the myriad problems created by timid establishment parties".

New leader Jeff Lye could not be contacted for comment.