The Cook Islands is pressing ahead with the legalisation of medicinal cannabis after a large majority voted in favour of the move.
In a referendum held alongside the country’s general election on August 1, voters were asked “Should we review our cannabis laws to allow for research and medicinal use?” with 62% saying yes.
The ministry of health is now preparing a paper to take to cabinet for a formal discussion on next steps. The chief pharmacist is also reviewing medicinal cannabis policies in Australia and New Zealand in order to inform the country’s position.
After the referendum result, prime minister Mark Brown said the overwhelmingly favourable response would allow the Government to move quickly to legalise medicinal cannabis and open up further research.