(Wellington, NZ) - Today, the voters of New Zealand, in line with the United Nations drug conventions, rejected a well-funded effort to legalize marijuana that was led by a former Prime Minister and several massive pro-drug organizations. Only two countries on earth have instituted marijuana legalization, both by legislation. The vote will be finalized next Friday subject to special votes, but it would be an extraordinary turn to flip these preliminary results. These results come on the background of strong turnout among young people.
“Assuming this vote holds, the people of New Zealand will send a clear message: Today's marijuana is harmful and its use should not be promoted," said SAM President Kevin Sabet. "The vote did not fall on party lines, since the same election saw resounding support for euthanasia and for a centre-left Labour government."
“We congratulate SAM-New Zealand for running an honest campaign grounded in science, safety, and commonsense. Most of all, the people of New Zealand should be commended for not falling for the well-funded half-truths of the marijuana lobby. This is a victory for New Zealand's future.”
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