New Zealand votes to legalize euthanasia but not marijuana

"No weed, no life" takes on a whole new meaning in New Zealand.

No outcry from Ardern on the France terror attack though, where is she on that ?

Firstly, how do you know she hasn't commented? Have you looked?

Secondly, whether or not she has, what does that have to do with this? Why have you brought this up if not to troll?

Good for NZ on euthanasia, too bad about not legalizing marijuana.

Anyone who thinks that legalizing it causes problems is ignoring Canada, where the country is still running fine even after two years of the people smoking the devil's cabbage to their hearts' content.

Research shows cannabis causes mental health problems, reduced motivation and educational achievement...

I resemble that remark.

The right to die with dignity, why not, the right to recreational personal herb use still counting the votes. Again why not both are personal choices. If you need a law to govern your choices you are a sad human.

Half way there.

Well done, again, NZ.

Who'd have thought that country would show the rest of us how it's done.

I understand and agree with the idea behind the 'right to die with dignity'. If I were in an incurable, unbearably painful condition, I think I would want the right to be able to choose when and how to go.

But what worries me is the prospect of euthanasia becoming the 'norm', of older and/or vulnerable people being persuaded by family members after their inheritance that it was time to go, or an elderly invalid feeling pressured to make the decision so as not to be a burden on the family.

Whichever way the vote had gone, I don't think it's a decision prompting unbridled celebration.

Could one hypothetically euthanize oneself via weed (or at least give it a shot)?

Asking for a friend.....

But what worries me is the prospect of euthanasia becoming the 'norm', of older and/or vulnerable people being persuaded by family members after their inheritance that it was time to go, or an elderly invalid feeling pressured to make the decision so as not to be a burden on the family.

Whichever way the vote had gone, I don't think it's a decision prompting unbridled celebration.

I believe that Nordic countries that allow this only carry out the procedure if two doctors independently verify that there is good reason to do so, and that the patient is willing. I don't know the details, but I believe this precludes those suffering from conditions like dementia, as they would be unable to consent. I'm sure New Zealand will enact similar safeguards.

Could one hypothetically euthanize oneself via weed (or at least give it a shot)?

Not as far as I'm aware. And I've tried.

How about the right to kill yourself by smoking lots of weed? Oh right, its basically impossible to overdose on weed. So New Zealanders support someone's right to take their own life, but not the right to intake something much less harmful than tobacco and alcohol. I guess it all comes down to some upity conservative voters that just don't like the smell of weed.

@Cleo

The NZ law change only allows euthanasia for patients who have confirmed terminal illness with less than six months to live. That is partly put that way, to stop the possibility of some of those issues you pointed out.

kiwi07 - Thank you for that.

Shudda known NZ would be sensible....

That criteria ‘likely to die within six months’....doesn’t that fit currently to all of us? 

"unbearable suffering" is another condition. Some might say reading your comments would fit that requirement.

My wife and I, kids discuss this euthanasia I'd rather get an overdose then throw myself or her off a bridge. Definatly want to do it before I forget who I am. The dope God hates it that's why he/She/ made it just to be angry about people smiling.

They should have a vote on banning Alcohol,

I have one friend who literally survives otherwise unbearable daily pain(fibromylagia) with medical marijuana, but would be greatly more thankful if permitted to just grow her own rather than rely on an unreliable supply. Plus, no one ever died from excessive re recreational use(unlike alcohol beverages).

Research shows cannabis causes mental health problems, reduced motivation and educational achievement.

The top student in mathematics, at the ivy-league university I attended, smoked weed every morning before sitting down to do his 'homework'. He never missed a question on a test, scoring 100% on every test.

Louis Armstrong smoked weed every day. Armstrong said, “It relaxes you, makes you forget all the bad things that happen to a Negro,” he explained.

Euthanasia. The state of Oregon, USA. Death With Dignity Law. It has been legal since 1994, for terminally ill individuals. No problems.

Medical marijuana is already legal in New Zealand.

This was about legalizing recreational marijuana.

Good. We don't need another Portland-like drug mess in beautiful New Zealand.

Who'd have thought that country would show the rest of us how it's done.

NZ have always been a pioneer country. First in the world to give women the right to vote.

Who'd have thought that country would show the rest of us how it's done.

NZ has a fine tradition of progressive thinking and taking action on it. They were one of the first countries to give women the vote.

Happiness with weed is an illusion.

Euthanasia is playing God.

Happiness with weed is an illusion.

Euthanasia is playing God.

But....

God is an illusion, so god is happiness with weed, and euthanasia is playing with happiness with weed.......

You're not making any sense here my friend.

As the world becomes more over populated than it already is, euthanasia will become a more normal practice in many places. The real trouble will begin at the point it begins to no longer be voluntary. It is inevitable.

Too many New Zealanders will now be an extra burden to themselves, their families, and thus the rest of Kiwi society.

Not because of weed though... because at this point in time it still hasn’t been legalized.

Darn, I was looking forward to bogarting some greens before my romp through Hobbiton.

If they had the Cannabis, they might not need the Euthanasia quite as soon...