National’s contenders on marijuana

The Wireless 22 February 2018
Family First Comment: Good. Opposition to recreational dope from all candidates
www.saynopetodope.nz

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS REGARDING THE DECRIMINALISATION OF MEDICINAL AND RECREATIONAL CANNABIS?

AMY ADAMS
I’m really concerned about the incredibly damaging impact of drugs in our community, so I would be cautious. In saying that, I want people in chronic pain or suffering from terminal illness to get all the support they need. I would not support anything that seeks to makes drugs freely available.

JUDITH COLLINS
I’m not at all opposed to this. If we can have medicinal opioids that can be prescribed, why can’t we have medicinal cannabis? Misused, it can have negative effects, but there’s no doubt there are times it can be of use. But it’s not something that should be treated in a recreational way.

SIMON BRIDGES
In principle, I’m in favour of medicinal cannabis. Where the law is not working, we should fix it. I’m much more reluctant when it comes to recreational use. It’s not that I’m a prude about this issue, I’m worried about the impact on people with mental health issues, I worry about regional communities, and in terms of recreational use, it’s not an absolute “no”, I just think we need a very considered conversation first.

MARK MITCHELL
I’d like to see medicinal cannabis made available, as long as it’s carefully regulated. I’m against recreational decriminalisation as there are a lot of countries that have gone down that track and have run into some social problems.

STEVEN JOYCE
I’m supportive of providing more medicinal cannabis to those in pain. I’m not supportive of broader decriminalisation because I think we already have enough vices in this world.
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