9 Sep 2020

Reports find legalising cannabis could generate $1.4b in public money

From Morning Report, 8:23 am on 9 September 2020

Two newly released reports have predicted legalising cannabis could generate more than $1.4 billion dollars in public money every year.

The reports suggest decriminalizing cannabis would create up to 5000 new jobs and see as many as 419 cannabis stores open.

A referendum on whether recreational cannabis use should become legal will take place on October 17.

The Ministry of Justice commissioned two reports by BERL, a consultancy advising government, to help draft development of the Cannabis Legalisation and Control Bill.

Hillmarè Schulze is BERL's chief economist.

She speaks to Susie Ferguson.