Green’s ‘Medicinal’ Marijuana Bill Up In Smoke

Media Release 31 January 2018
Family First NZ is welcoming the strong defeat of Chloe Swarbrick’s medicinal marijuana bill.

“it makes no sense for two bills on the same issue to be considered at the same time. That is a waste of taxpayer resource. The government should have confidence in what it is proposing and allow that to be analysed and improved by submissions made to the Select Committee,” says Bob McCoskrie, National Director of Family First NZ.

“We support the government’s cautious and researched approach around this issue, and we also support a compassionate response to those in real need. But the Swarbrick bill failed the test in terms of public health, public safety, and protecting our young people and the politicians were right to reject it so strongly.”

“No other medicine is lit up and inhaled as was proposed by the Green’s bill. We need to say no to ‘medicinal marijuana’, and yes to ‘medicinal cannabinoids’ products.”

Family First is supporting the rapid expansion of further quality research into the components of the marijuana plant for delivery via non-smoked forms, and the establishment of a programme that allows seriously ill patients to obtain other non-smoked components of marijuana approved and listed by the Ministry of Health via their doctor – with appropriate funding and pricing for patients. Neurologists, palliative care and pain specialists should have a key role in this process.

Briefing Paper sent to all MPs www.SayNopeToDope.nz/medicinal/

ENDS