LEGAL STATUS OF CANNABIS FOR FRESH COMMITTEE

"Considerable research exists indicating that early drug use is associated
with psychological developmental problems, when young people move from
experimental to frequent use," the report said.

Green MP Nandor Tanczos said if cannabis was reclassified from a C1 to a C2
or C3 drug, that would make medicinal use easier to regulate and remove
police powers to search without a warrant.

Mr Tanczos said young people should be protected from using cannabis but it
was clear from the report that "non-problematic, adult use should not be
criminalised because that carries with it a whole host of other problems".

The report said prohibition resulted in high conviction rates for a
relatively minor offence, which inhibited people's education, travel and
employment opportunities.

Green MP Sue Kedgley said cannabis had been "demonised" to the point
rational discussion had not been possible, but she hoped this report would
now allow that.

Under its agreement with United Future, the Government promised not to
introduce legislation changing the legal status of cannabis.

Progressive Coalition leader Jim Anderton said he was pleased the committee
did not recommend a change in the legal status of cannabis.

He said no consensus for change meant there was no mandate for change.

National and New Zealand First said in the report there should be no change
in cannabis law.

United Future leader Peter Dunne said cannabis use was the "gateway" to
social and educational failure, as well as regular use of harder drugs.

Act New Zealand said the recommendations were vague, and would be of little
value if enacted, while costly to implement.

The Drug Foundation said it was disappointed its suggestion of a formal
warning with health information for first offenders had not been taken up.

The Government has 90 days to respond to the committee's report.