Drug Law Reform


All drugs can cause harm. Inconsistent legislation only causes more. The Green’s Drug Law Reform policy would see one law covering all psychoactive drugs. Each drug would be treated differently depending on its level of harm. The drug problem would be tackled on two fronts: reducing drug abuse and reducing the size of the drug market. Drug treatment also features in the plan. For example, the first response to underage use of any drug should be some basic drug education and assessment, and if there is a drug problem, proper treatment. At the moment the law is silent and so some young people get a slap on the hand, others get expelled from school, while others get a criminal conviction.

If you want to be kept up to date on drug issues email Metiria's office.

Got a question about our policy?

Frequently Asked Questions:
Cannabis Law Reform FAQ
Medical Use FAQ
Cannabis Infringement Bill FAQ

What's New

Alcohol Advisory Council Amendment Bill — Third Reading

Alcohol, along with tobacco, should be listed under the Misuse of Drugs Act like other drugs. Then Parlliament could manage the regulatory environment for all drugs with some rationality and consistentency. We owe to our community.


Green Party Preventative Healthcare Strategy

This strategy outlines how we will address the root causes of ill-health such as poverty, sub-standard housing, poor nutrition, and stressful work environments. It also outlines our approach of reducing harm to people’s health from exposure to toxic chemicals and the use of alcohol and tobacco. Finally, we summarize our approach to specific health areas where we believe we can achieve a significant reduction in preventable illness. These are:

  • Reducing skin infections

  • Reducing food-borne illness
  • Increased provision of dental care
  • Reducing adverse events in hospitals
  • Making pharmaceuticals safer

Drug flood fears founded, vigilance urged: Greens

News today of a 100kg Chinese drug seizure in Auckland underscores the fears voiced by Green Party MP Metiria Turei earlier this month.

Mrs Turei is worried that her concern about New Zealand’s burgeoning methamphetamine problem worsening as more precursor ingredients enter the country because of our preferential trade deal with China is becoming a reality.

Do it for Love - a youthful indiscretion made good

When I did it for the first time, I confess it wasn’t for love, it was for fun. My boyfriend and I had stayed out the whole night before and the next morning, still awake and restless we just thought, “Yeah, lets do it! Why not?” So we did and it was great!