Cannabis likely to be ‘no’, poll finds

AUCKLAND: Personal use of cannabis is likely to remain illegal according to latest poll numbers, as support for the Cannabis Legalisation and Control Bill continues to slip before the approaching referendum.

The latest Newshub ReidResearch poll showed just 37.9% of responders saying they will vote yes to the proposition.

In just over two weeks, voters will have their say over a potential legal cannabis market, which would allow for special bars for consumption, special outlets and sales and strict rules for homegrown cannabis.

The referendum at the 2020 election will ask about support for the proposed Bill, which would include:

Allowing products to be bought only in a licensed premises from a licensed and registered retailer, and banning online or remote sales.

Banning the use of cannabis publicly, allowing it only in a special licensed premises or on private property.

Controlling the potency of cannabis in available products.

Introducing a legal purchase age of 20.

Banning advertising of cannabis products, and requiring products to carry health messages.

According to the Newshub ReidResearch poll, 50.5% of responders say they will vote against the proposition.

Green Party voters were most likely to support the proposed Bill, (85.5% voting yes), followed by Labour supporters (45.9% yes), Newshub reported.

National voters are the most likely to be strongly opposed to the proposition — 71.6% of voters said they would vote no.

In March, a Research New Zealand poll found 43% of respondents were in favour of legalising cannabis, and 33% opposed it, RNZ reported.

But at the end of August, that figures changed — 39% supported the law change and 46% were against.

The Newshub ReidResearch poll also asked responders what box they would tick on the End of Life Choice Bill, come election day.

It found the Bill would likely pass if people were to vote the same on October 17 — 61.6% of respondents said they would vote yes and 25.5% said no.

Those numbers are just a drop below TVNZ's July poll, in which 63% of respondents said they would vote in favour of the Bill and 24% were against. — The New Zealand Herald