Family First NZ says that if the NZ Drug Foundation is
receiving further significant funding from the Government,
on top of what they already receive, they should not be the
lead organisation promoting a Yes vote in the cannabis
referendum.
“This will be a direct
conflict of interest when the Drug Foundation are promoting
the legalisation of cannabis – as well as the
decriminalisation of all other drugs including meth, cocaine
and heroin – and the taxpayer is having to fund them at the
same time,” says Bob McCoskrie of the SayNopeToDope
campaign.
“It will open up the
Government to accusations of ‘buying’ a yes vote and a
change of law.”
“In a strong democracy, lobbyists
and lawmakers should be at arm’s length – especially with
a major vote on an issue about to happen.”
“Either
the Drug Foundation takes government funding and removes
itself from leading one side of the debate, or it rejects
the funding and focuses on lobbying for the liberalisation
of drug laws.”
“But it can’t do
both.”
Source: https://mmpconnect.com/government-buying-a-yes-vote-in-cannabis-debate/
