Unlikely Alliance to Start the Conversation

Former police prosecutor teams up with stoner botanist and warrior princess to discuss cannabis reform.

An unlikely alliance of New Zealanders across political parties, religious affiliations, and backgrounds is coming together to spark a national discussion about cannabis law reform in the lead up to the country's planned referendum. They share the goal of implementing a cannabis policy that will reduce harm and maximise the wellbeing of all New Zealanders.

Start the Conversation was founded by long-time Dunedin cannabis activist Abe Gray and lawyer and writer Jin An Hirst to provide the New Zealand public with the full range of evidence and arguments required to make an informed decision when they vote in the upcoming Adult Cannabis Use Referendum.

The new organisation boasts an impressive team of public ambassadors made up of well-known kiwi artists, academics and entrepreneurs including; Lucy Lawless, Millie Elder-Holmes, double Olympic athlete and BMX champion Marc Willers, drug counselor Roger Brooking and drug policy expert Dr Julian Buchanan. Through events and online activities, the ambassadors will play a key part in making the referendum conversation robust and enlightening.

It is important to note that the organisation does not and will not accept money from political parties or government agencies. This separation from vested interests and commitment to evidence plays a core part in the culture of Start the Conversation.

The full list of ambassadors, the latest evidence from cannabis research, and an overview of the organisation are set out in their recently updated website: www.conversation.org.nz

Start the Conversation looks forward to engaging with you, the New Zealand public, on all matters related to cannabis, and look out for their August event in Auckland.

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