Green MP Nandor Tanczos says there are cannabis smokers at the highest levels of society who are too scared to speak out in favour of decriminalisation.
New Zealand First MP Craig McNair has complained to police about Mr Tanczos' admitted use of cannabis, but Mr Tanczos says his rival is just
trying to punish him for being honest.
"I said I used cannabis well before I became an MP. In fact, I think some people vote for me because I am honest about it. There are many people in public life, there are many people in many positions of responsibility who use cannabis. But most are too scared to be honest about it because they are scared of the kind of legal action Craig McNair is threatening.
"This is actually part of the problem. We can't have a rational debate about cannabis policy while people have to stay in the closet," Mr Tanczos said on National Radio.
Mr Tanczos has admitted using cannabis and is campaigning for use to be decriminalised for over 18-year-olds.
But Mr McNair said it was time Mr Tanczos was held to account for using an illegal substance.
"The reality of the situation is that a member of Parliament has openly said he used drugs and broke the law," he said in a statement.
"This man is sending an unacceptable message to the youth of this country."
The complaint adds to growing concerns over Mr Tanczos' drug activities -- on Monday United Future leader Peter Dunne called on Mr Tanczos to resign from Parliament for smoking cannabis and ACT MP Heather Roy called for a parliamentary committee to investigate the sale of some products at his Auckland shop.
Mr McNair told NZPA he had never smoked cannabis, nor been offered it. He would not say whether he would call in the police if any of his fellow NZ First MPs admitted to criminal activities.
- NZPA
