Monday, 16 December, 2013 - 10:00

It is time for New Zealand to follow Uruguay's lead and opt out of the UN Single Convention on Narcotics (1961), according to the Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party.

"It is untenable for ordinary New Zealanders to be treated as criminals simply for growing a herb like Cannabis," ALCP leader Julian Crawford said.

"We need to regulate and tax Cannabis to get it out of the black-market and the control of gangs."

Cannabis is by far the most popular illicit drug in New Zealand with over 80% of young people trying it, but prohibition laws and not the drug are putting them in harm's way Mr Crawford said.

"The New Zealand Government's agenda of 'Harm Minimisation' can only begin to be achieved once Cannabis is regulated, with a suitable age-limit."

"The UN office of Drugs and Crime, as well as the International Narcotics Control Board, have been exposed by Uruguay's President as liars and bullies, who are out of touch with reality on the Cannabis issue."

ALCP are calling New Zealand's UN diplomats to speak out against the Single Convention on Narcotics from now until its review in 2016.