by Donald Wood
Last updated: 9:50 AM ET, Wed December 19, 2018
During the 2020 general election in New Zealand, residents will vote on the legalization of recreational cannabis in a referendum, which could result in an influx of marijuana tourism if the legislation passes.
According to BBC.com, New Zealand justice minister Andrew Little said the vote was approved by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and comes just a week after government officials legalized medical marijuana.
A poll in New Zealand found that two-thirds of residents supported the legalization of recreational cannabis, which could result in a rise in tourists arrivals and an increase in spending.
"We know when it will be, we have a commitment that it will be binding, and now it is just a question on filling in the detail from there," Little told BBC Monday.
New Zealand's government is run by a three-party system, with the Labour Party, Green Party and populists New Zealand First all being represented. The Green Party has already voiced its support of the legislation and the possible influx of travelers.
"We've had countless opinion polls for decades now, confirming New Zealanders are positively well ahead of political action on the issue of cannabis law reform," Green Party spokesperson Chloe Swarbrick said. "This binding referendum presents an opportunity to have the will of the people trigger meaningful legislative change."
While marijuana remains the most commonly used illicit drug in New Zealand, some government officials said legalizing cannabis would normalize drug use and the vote was just meant to distract from bigger issues in the country.
If New Zealand were to legalize the recreational use of marijuana, it would become the first Asia Pacific country to approve legislation and join other nations such as Canada and Uruguay to pass the new laws.
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