New Zealand’s New Prime Minister to Host Vote for Marijuana Legalization

New Zealand is one step closer to legalizing marijuana. The country’s new, liberal Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, takes office this week and said marijuana will be legalized within a few years.

Ardern has a brand new Labour Party that will also join the First Party and Green Party, according to Idaho Statesman.  A referendum will be held to discuss recreational marijuana legalization. Ardern did not provide specifics for her position regarding marijuana, but says that legalization would occur within three years, should the vote support it.

Ardern said, “I’ve always been very open about the fact that I do not believe that people should be imprisoned for personal use of cannabis. On the flip side, I also have concerns about young people accessing a product which can clearly do harm and damage to them.”

Before moving forward Ardern wishes to hear from New Zealanders to determine the proper path for the country.