Voting no to cannabis won’t make it go away
Kia ora, Neighbours. I’m a bit worried about Parmjeet Parmar’s ad on Neighbourly warning against voting yes in the cannabis referendum, I wanted to give the other side.
The facts show that the current criminalisation of cannabis is arbitrary and leads to racist outcomes in the justice system. 70% of NZ has smoked weed, yet it’s Māori who are predominately prosecuted for cannabis use. The costs of those criminal conviction are huge, leading to lost job opportunities and social stigma.
Further, she says NZ “can’t afford” the “social burden” of legalising cannabis. It’s unclear that means. In other countries with legalised cannabis, youth consumption has gone down and in New Zealand tax revenue from the legally sold cannabis - which would otherwise be sold on the black market - is to be used for drug education and to fund the health system. Police spend an extraordinary amount of time and money hunting for cannabis plantations and prosecuting people currently, leading to criminal records and wasted resource which could be used combating violent crime.
More information is available on the NZ Drug Foundation website. I also wrote a column about this for Stuff.
i.stuff.co.nz...
🎉 Riddle me this, legends! 🎉
He/She who makes it, sells it.
He/She who buys it, doesn't use it.
The user doesn't know they are using it.
What is it?
(Shezz from Ngāruawāhia kindly provided this head-scratcher ... thanks, Shezz!)
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Poll: If we want to reduce speeding, what do you think actually changes driver behaviour? 🛻🚨🚓
In the Post's article on speeding penalties, the question is asked whether speeding fines are truly about road safety, or are they just a way to boost revenue for the Crown?
What do you think? Should speeding motorists receive speeding fines or demerit points?
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37.2% The sting of a fine (Money talks!)
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62.8% The threat of demerit points (Nobody wants to lose their license!)
Scam Alert: Bank cold calls
ASB is warning customers about reports of cold calls from scammers claiming to be from ASB. These scammers are trying to obtain personal information, including usernames, dates of birth, and verification codes sent to your mobile phone.
🛡️ The "Caller Check" Test
If you get a call from someone claiming to be from ASB and you’re unsure, just ask them for a Caller Check. You will then be able to verify the call through the app.
Remember, banks will:
❌ Never ask for your banking passwords, PINs, or verification codes
❌ Never need to know your full credit card number – especially the CVC
❌ Never ask you to download software or remotely access your device
❌ Never ask you to purchase gift cards or transfer funds.
If you have received a phone call and think your account has been compromised, call ASB on 0800 ASB FRAUD (0800 272 372), or visit your local branch.
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