New Zealand health experts back reform of 'outdated' cannabis laws

Supporting legalisation of marijuana, they argue its use should be seen as a health issue ahead of referendum

Some of New Zealand's most experienced public health experts have thrown their support behind legalising marijuana, a week out from the country's general election.

In an editorial in the New Zealand Medical Journal, specialists from the fields of addiction treatment, public health, health promotion and epidemiology have urged New Zealanders to tick yes in the referendum, days after a poll showed the vote on a knife-edge.