 | New government more of the same |
 Labour's Dunne Deal attempts to block law reform, but may leave door open to medical use
The make-up of the new government has been announced and United Future have forced Labour to not support any legislation to decriminalise the recreational use of cannabis.
This may leave the door open for free votes on a private member's bill, for policy changes that do not involve a law change (for example, more use of diversion, or police tolerating possession of small amounts, etc), and the use of the limiting word "recreational" implies that United Future would not block medical cannabis.
It is also debatable whether moving cannabis by Order In Council to a lower part of Class C, eg from category C1 to C2 or lower, would constitute "legislative initiatives". Such a move would not require introducing a bill, but would end draconian police search powers and therefore greatly reduce the number of arrests.
So despite the apparant block on law reform, there is still a lot that can and should be done. That is where you come in. We will only ever get law reform if MPs know there is strong public support for such a move. So make your voice heard!
 Got the feeling you've been cheated? Talk about the new government in the Get Active Forum.
 Confidence and Supply Agreement with United Future (PDF)
the government "will not support any legislative initiatives to decriminalise the recreational use of cannabis"
Compare this with the 2002 UFO-Labour agreement:
"The government will not introduce legislation to change the legal status of cannabis and will implement a comprehensive drug strategy aimed at protecting young people and educating them on the dangers of drug use."
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