INQUIRY STARTING ON CANNABIS LAWS

Wellington: Parliament's select committee on health will start hearing
submissions next week in an inquiry which could lead to the
decriminalisation of cannabis.

A review of cannabis laws is scheduled during this term of Parliament, with
decriminalising the drug the main option up for discussion.

To be caught with small amounts of cannabis would become a ticketing
offence, like speeding.

The inquiry, which begins hearing submissions next Wednesday, is the first
step in the process.

Green MP Nandor Tanczos, who wants the law changed, said in a statement he
was relieved the long-awaited inquiry was finally starting.

"I am pleased that the committee can finally get to work on finding better
ways to deal with the issue," he said.

"The law as it stands sees over half of the adult population breaking the
law at one time or another.

"It is clear to anyone with an open mind that the current law is failing to
reduce the abuse of cannabis and in fact may be encouraging it."

The Green Party will be among those delivering a submission to the inquiry
during the public session which runs from 3pm until 10pm on Wednesday.

The terms of reference for the inquiry were: "To inquire into the most
effective public health and health promotion strategies to minimise the use
of and the harm associated with cannabis and consequently the most
appropriate legal status of cannabis."