Smoking is banned on Parliament grounds so cannabis users took to munching on marijuana-laced treats to protest the current laws.
One News
They are getting high and breaking the law.
"Oh yeah, they can come and
take us away, but I doubt that they will," said Fred MacDonald from the
Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party.
The group did not hide their activities as Parliament's security watched on, a police officer even walked right past the group.
Figures given to ONE News suggest that it is no surprise.
In 26 years there has been a 70 per cent drop in the number of people being charged for cannabis use and possession.
From almost 8000 possession and use charges in 1990, there were 2500 criminal charges last year.
Doctor Chris Wilkins is a
senior researcher of illegal drugs at Massey University and says police
are choosing to ignore the law breakers.
"It doesn't seem to be a
government policy and even a police policy this really seems to be an
organic change that's come from police officers on the streets in terms
of what priority they put on drug offending," said Dr Wilkins.
In 2010, police gave officers the option to give formal warnings to those arrested for minor offences.
Today police admitted it is not the dope smokers they are gunning for, they are after the growers and drug dealers.
"I think we've got a bit
smarter with how we focus on individuals, we're certainly focused on
those supplying and trafficking," said Detective Superintendent Tim
Anderson.
Cannabis campaigners say it shows the government needs to change the law.
"The law is an ass there's no
doubt about it, and we're going to keep in their face and prove it. We
have dialogue with the MPS all the time and we know there's an
under-current of support there," said Mr MacDonald.
But the government says "not on our watch".
"We're comfortable with the law
which means the use of cannabis is a criminal act, and we don't intend
to change that," said Acting Prime Minister Bill English.
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