The narrow defeat of the referendum on the legal regulation of cannabis should not hinder long-overdue reform.

Already available results indicate an increase in the consumption of cannabis and benzodiazepines, higher prices and more online purchases.

Regulation is likely to lead to better outcomes for health, education and justice, but the bill needs to offer further clarity on issues such as potency and the role of for-benefit companies, according to legal expert.

The proposed bill, which seeks to formalise the existing market and increase investment in health and education programmes, will be voted by referendum in September 2020.

The model includes provisions on hypothecated taxation, social equity and the participation of the Māori people in the system's administration.

The model includes provisions on hypothecated taxation, social equity and the participation of the Māori people in the system's administration.

The New Zealand Drug Foundation provides useful figures on the country's usage of various drugs and alcohol, and reports that although many continue to suffer the situation is improving.

The NZ Drug Foundation provides an overview of their proposals and recommendations for responsible regulation building up to the 2020 general election vote for the legalisation of cannabis.

The New Zealand Drug Foundation provides an overview of key drug policy progress and challenges in the country.

The bill serves as a "bridging mechanism" providing for legal defence for patients close to death.