Survey finds support for legalised cannabis

New Zealand could develop a niche market of export-quality, organic, sun-grown marijuana if we ‘‘crack on’’ with law changes, says the leader of The Opportunities Party (TOP).

Economist and TOP leader Geoff Simmons said public opinion was clearly behind the legalisation of cannabis and it was time to consider what a legal market might look like.

‘‘We think the evidence is strong enough to just crack on and legalise cannabis,’’ Simmons said. Results from a recent survey revealed broad support across the political spectrum for the 2020 referendum announced by the Government last month.

Licensed medicinal cannabis company Helius Therapeutics commissioned the survey of Kiwis’ attitudes towards cannabis, law reform, and its use.

The survey found 60 per cent said they would vote for legalising cannabis for personal use, and 68 per cent believed any tax revenue from legal cannabis should be spent on health services. Over two-thirds of respondents believed legalised cannabis would result in lower levels of crime or have no effect.

The opinions of 995 adults were canvassed October 10-26, 2018. Just 24 per cent said they would not support the referendum, while 16 per cent said they did not know how they would vote.

Paul Manning, executive director of Helius Therapeutics, said: ‘‘If New Zealand follows a similar path to Canada, where both medical and recreational sales are permitted, we will see the total domestic market for cannabis-based products expand significantly.’’

Simmons said estimates of tax revenue ranged between $180 million and $240m. ‘‘Also, the feeling is that there is a niche opportunity to produce high-end, organic, sun-fed crops. There is scope for an export industry.’’