Monday, 4 November, 2013 - 10:21

Christchurch East mother Paula Lambert has been selected to stand for the Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party in the upcoming by-election.

Ms Lambert was the former secretary of NORML New Zealand and has stood for Parliament in three previous elections.

Assisting earthquake hit areas to rebuild and creating more employment opportunities were her highest priorities.

"Hemp-crete is stronger and lighter than concrete with much better thermal insulation properties," she said.

"Hemp grown in the Canterbury plains could be used to rebuild Christchurch East properties at an affordable cost."

Ms Lambert also said that she hoped Christchurch would become the first city in New Zealand to legalise Cannabis for medical and economic reasons.

"CERA has to power to relax or suspend any New Zealand law except the Bill of Rights," she said.

"This gives Christchurch a unique opportunity to legalise Cannabis before the rest of the country."