Is it time for NZ to legalize Marijuana? Countries are spending milliions every year on simple possesion crimes which should be nothing more than a slap on the wrist at most!

In New Zealand, Act Party leader Don Brash, has called for his country to consider decriminaling cannabis use.

Dr Brash told New Zealand newspaper, The Taranaki Daily News, he's haunted by the thought that police time and resources could be better deployed in keeping New Zealanders safe from real criminals.

"The police and the courts spend some $100 million of taxpayer money a year enforcing this prohibition of a drug, believed by many people to be less dangerous than tobacco or alcohol," he said.

"Is there really any point to this?"

He said the law is making criminals of thousands of people who are harming no-one except arguably themselves.

A New Zealand Law Commission, under former Prime Minister Sir Georffrey Palmer, recommended in April cannabis be allowed for medical use, and punishment for none-medical use, to be a caution rather than a criminal penalties.

Dr Brash said this supported his call to debate a government change in policy.

"I'm not saying it's now ACT policy to decriminalise or legalise marijuana," Dr Brash said.

"I'm simply saying it's my personal view that we should give the idea serious consideration as there are some strong arguments in its favour."