He says that the decriminalisation of cannabis is a serious issue that is being sidelined by the GE debate.

“We can argue forever the benefits and shortcomings of the moratorium, but much of that debate is highly emotive.”

“By contrast, the cannabis issue has been extensively researched and the evidence is overwhelming that marijuana use is particularly toxic to brain cells and leads to impaired short term memory, impaired motor skill, and increased incidences of psychiatric disorders,” he says.

United Future vigorously opposes the decriminalisation of marijuana.

“We know that drug use does not exist in a vacuum. You cannot consider the use of marijuana in our society separately from other social and economic issues. The use of marijuana impacts on the family, the economy, the welfare system law and order. It is just blindness to suggest that marijuana use doesn’t lead to violent crime. Just look at the recent case of the young man who murdered the pizza worker and the banker,” he says.

United Future believes that all legislation should be considered in the context of whether it is good for the family.

“The family has been constantly undermined by government. To prosper economically, to address rising violent crime rates, to assist our education system, New Zealander’s need policies that support and uphold the family,” he says.

United Future has candidates in 63 electorates and only needs 1.3% of the party vote to get one more MP to join leader Peter Dunne in parliament.

ENDS