The problem with the PM’s ‘expert’ panel on weed

By September 22, 2019 Recent News

The Prime Minister has asked the Chief Science Advisor to provide an accessible summary of the evidence to inform the cannabis referendum, using an ‘expert’ panel. The ‘expert’ panel has been charged with pulling together as much information as we can about the impacts of cannabis, and to present it in a way that is easy to understand for voters.

Here’s the problem.

Of the 10 members of the ‘expert’ panel, SEVEN have declared that they support legalisation of cannabis – and not even one of the panel has expressed opposition.

If you think we’ll get a balanced report, we have a bridge to sell you.


For Legalisation 

Supports legalisation.

Supports legalisation

Supports legalisation Has advocated for legalisation in Canada (RNZ)

Supports legalisation

Supports legalisation – ”if there is no space in any reform to allow people to grow their own, discrimination against Māori will continue.” 3’s The Hui (March 2019)  The SpinOff


Board member Drug Foundation (!)

Supports legalisation

Supports legalisation   

Other

Researcher / Criminologist – including Pasifika and youth justice issue