According to a BBC Türkçe report, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said she had used cannabis recreationally during a live debate with National Party leader Judith Collins before the October 17 general election.
The election will also include votes on legalizing recreational cannabis and euthanasia.
“The public should decide on use”
The moderator asked the leaders how they would vote on recreational cannabis.
Collins said she would vote against it. Ardern said she would reveal her vote after the election: “The New Zealand public should decide this. It should not be politicized.”
Asked whether she had previously used cannabis, the 40-year-old Ardern replied, “Yes, I did. A long time ago.”
What does the public say?
Legalizing recreational use has been debated for years, and opinion polls suggest a divided public.
Polls show that more than 60% of people aged 18–44 support legalization.
The result is therefore expected to depend heavily on turnout.
The bill would allow people over 20 to buy up to 14 grams of cannabis daily. If enacted, it would permit growing cannabis in pots at home for personal use.
The referendum result will not be binding; parliamentary approval will be required.
Medical cannabis use is permitted in the country.
