Despite falling conviction rates, police discretion in prosecution is having a disproportionate impact among certain groups, including the Māori people, people with prior convictions and people with substance use problems.
The NZ Drug Foundation's analysis zooms into key questions such as changes in the domestic legal framework, impact on social equity and harm reduction.
The government of New Zealand / Aotearoa expects a legal framework for drug checking services will reduce accidental drug deaths linked to adulterants.
Oregon sets an example by demonstrating how decriminalisation and readily accessible health services result in a marked decrease in drug-related harms.
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.