The ALCP's Christchurch council candidate, Blair Anderson, is preparing for an interesting by-election outcome, coupled with an open public forum on cannabis.

The forum will be addressed by:

Tim Barnett, MP (Chair of Justice & Electoral Select Committee) Blair Anderson, Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party Vesta Boswell, PRYDE Dr. Fraser Todd, National Centre for Treatment of Drugs

The council endorsed forum is committed to challenging thinking and stimulating action on alcohol and other drug issues, according to convenor Paul Traynor of the New Zealand Alcohol & Drug Association.

Attendees at St. Andrew's College Auditorium, Papanui Road on Monday, 20th March at 7:30p.m. will be "hearing and understanding a range of opinions and hopefully being more informed about this cannabis issue."

The evidence for a legal regulation precedent is compelling, said Mr Anderson. "The Swiss legalised cannabis and hashish only days ago" he said. "People are beginning to see where we're coming from; At the moment there are only inappropriate interventions. The new rationale is holistic - health promotion and informed choice."

"This initiative of the People's Republic of Christchurch marks a turning point for the culture", said ALCP colleague and former Mayoral Candidate, Kevin O'Connell.

"Blair has been battling well for our righteous cause, and the Legalise Cannabis Party deserves a victory" he said. "The time has come for elected representatives to get real and resolve the crucial issue".

Mr Anderson said "if 2000 Shirley Ward residents vote for me, I could be addressing Monday night's forum as Councilor Anderson, ALCP."

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