It beggars belief that certain MP's from the Greens and the Labour Parties are proposing to legalise the recreational use of cannabis.

These MP's either lack basic common sense or they are out of touch with the real world, or are they just plain stupid?

I object to the propaganda-type commercial which was shown on TV on behalf of the Drug Foundation showing respectable looking people (actors) in a nicely furnished set expounding the virtues of being able to legally smoke Cannabis. The reality is that smoking cannabis is not as it is depicted in a Cheech and Chong Movie.

For over 25 years the police have used discretion when dealing with persons whom they find in possession of a personal amount of Cannabis and now other types of Drugs as a result of the 2019 Amendment. Such persons are usually given a formal warning and now possibly a referral. Dealers and those who cultivate cannabis for resale are charged by the police.

To comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, Employers are required to provide a safe workplace for their employees and staff are required to undergo alcohol and drug testing. Drug impaired workers and those who drive under the influence are a threat to everyone.

If Cannabis was to be legalised those aged over 20 years will be able buy 14 grams per day which equals 98 grams per week. This quantity of cannabis would allow those persons to either be stoned 24/7, or they could decide to sell some, possibly to underage persons as a good little earner.

I fully support Medicinal Cannabis but will certainly be Voting NO in the Referendum.

K Goddard, Omokoroa