Make It Legal, New Zealand! Feat. Sandra Murray

The Friendly Aussie Podcast

This episode of the Friendly Aussie Podcast is dedicated to the NEW ZEALAND REFERENDUM on the 17th of October, 2020. We chat over ZOOM with Sandra Murray - a policy analyst and activist, who heads a lot of the operations of 'Make It Legal NZ'.

Sandra is a policy maker by profession — and as someone with experience in that field, she makes the argument that legalisation through popular referendum will shift paradigms.

'Make It Legal' are just one non-profit organisation; but they are making massive waves online, with over 40000 facebook followers. They're one of the few movements communicating fundamental basics about cannabis legalisation, existing drug policy and the proposals included in the bill for the upcoming referendum.

Since the process of writing the bill was ‘rushed’, New Zealanders are only voting on a draft version of the bill. There are many layers of confusion, when it comes to what people are actually voting for.

Sandra's argument to the people of New Zealand is simple. Saying ‘no’ to legalisation sends a lasting message. Saying ‘no’ because of problems with the bill will cut any progress in its tracks. Saying ‘yes’, and then discussing the ways in which the current scheme is deficient to iron them out. Really, it’s a clear choice between two bills — the status quo, and a step forward into a brave new world.

If you live in the land of the long white cloud, get out there and VOTE on Saturday, the 17th of October for legalising the herb we all love for recreational use! You'll be doing yourself and us Aussies on the other side of the ditch a massive favour.