The former MP responsible for drugs says it's high time for recreational cannabis to be legalised.
Former Associate Health Minister, Peter Dunne, says a regulated, strictly controlled market for marijuana should exist, similar to how we tightly we restrict tobacco now.
Dunne says it makes a lot of sense to have a referendum late next year, well before the General Election.
He told Chris Lynch the question will have to be specific, rather than just if it should be legal.
"I think what they should do is develop a proposal. If we have say legal cannabis market, this is how it's going to be, and make that the subject of the question that people can say yes or no to. If they say yes, the legislation is triggered and comes into effect immediately."
LISTEN TO PETER DUNNE TALK WITH CHRIS LYNCH ABOVE