MP MUST OBEY CANNABIS LAW

Nandor Tanczos has backed himself into a corner over cannabis reform and,
in doing so, has lost any credibility he may have gained in pushing for
decriminalisation of the drug, writes the Waikato Times in an editorial.

He has admitted he uses cannabis once a month which has led New Zealand
First MP Craig McNair to lay a complaint with police -- a move that goes
one step further than United Future Leader Peter Dunne, who has called for
the Green MP to resign.

Mr McNair's push to make Mr Tanczos accountable for using an illegal
substance may be a political stunt but it is hardly unexpected. What is
surprising is that someone hasn't made a complaint earlier. With his
pro-cannabis stance, Nandor Tanczos has left himself wide open to criminal
investigation.

Mr Tanczos has attempted to diffuse the situation by claiming there are
cannabis smokers in many positions of responsibility who are too scared to
be honest. "This is actually part of the problem. We can't have a rational
debate about cannabis policy while people have to stay in the closet," he
said. His logic is flawed. He may want "rational debate" but others
apparently do not.

The issue of decriminalising cannabis has failed to gain momentum in the
House or during the election campaign. Even the Greens recognised it could
be a voter turnoff and, in July, decided not to promote their
liberalisation policy to avoid being tagged a one-issue party. At Waikato
candidate meetings during this year's election campaign, voters showed
their distaste for any softening of the line on cannabis and were
dismissive of Green policy on it.

But that is not the central issue here. The core of Mr McNair's concern is
that an MP, elected to make law, is openly and proudly breaking it. As long
as the drug remains illegal the police must investigate and have already
questioned Mr Tanczos.

Drug educators and teachers have been unanimous in condemning Mr Tanczos'
stance on marijuana. They claim that, as a role model to the young, he is
encouraging cannabis use. They are right. Marijuana is endemic in New
Zealand schools and the detrimental effects on behaviour and development
are well documented. While Mr Tanczos recommends young people delay their
decision on using drugs until they turn 18, his "do as I say, don't do as I
do" message sends confusing signals.

The Greens, having this year pitched themselves at young people to attract
more votes, now need to show more responsibility. The party has done much
to raise political awareness among the under 30s, which is admirable, but
by endorsing law-breakers it undermines both itself and the parliamentary
process. There is more than one way to bring about change. As an MP Mr
Tanczos should pursue those avenues. He has a lot of work to do to convince
his colleagues and voters that his ideas are worth supporting. Abiding by
the law would help his case considerably.