Online news, media and entertainment company

New Zealand votes to legalize euthanasia but not marijuana New Zealanders have voted in favor of legalizing euthanasia in a binding referendum. But in preliminary results they were rejecting a measure to legalize marijuana. With about 83% of votes counted, New Zealanders emphatically endorsed the euthanasia measure with 65% voting in favor and 34% voting against. The “no” vote on marijuana was much closer, with 53% voting against legalizing it and 46% voting in favor. That left open a slight chance the measure could still pass once all special votes were counted next week, although it would require a huge swing. In past elections, special votes — which include those cast by overseas voters — have tended to be more liberal than general votes, giving proponents of marijuana legalization some hope the measure could still pass. The euthanasia measure, which would also allow assisted suicide, would apply to people who have terminal illnesses, are likely to die within six months, and are end...

New Zealand euthanasia bill set to get nod after referendum New Zealanders were asked to vote ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to a bill allowing the terminally ill to end their lives. The referendum on euthanasia was part of the election earlier this month. The elections commission will announce the preliminary results on Friday [Michael Bradley/AFP] Auckland, New Zealand –  Voters in New Zealand are expected to have voted “yes” in a referendum to legalise euthanasia when preliminary results are announced on Friday, underlining the measure’s consistent support among the public and the backing of newly returned Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. Polling has put support for the legislation, one of two referendums put to voters during the general election earlier this month, at above 60 percent. A “yes” vote will mean New Zealand joins a small group of nations and territories including the Netherlands and Canada that have legalised assisted dying. The road to the End of Life Choice Bill, which took place a...

Cannabis legalisation rejected - what happens next Website of the Year The preliminary results of the cannabis referendum were released at 2pm today. The final results will be released on November 6. Photo / 123rf The preliminary referendum results indicate that a majority of Kiwis voted against legalising cannabis for personal use. Today's results show 46.1 per cent voted for legalised cannabis, compared to 53.1 per cent against. The official result, however, won't be known until November 6, when 480,000-odd special votes will be included in the final count. But the margin today suggests that the "no" vote has prevailed, which is in line with poll results leading up to polling day. This election New Zealanders will vote on whether or not to legalise recreational cannabis use. Video / NZ Herald The incoming Government will still look to improve the current health-based approach to drug law reform. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has said that some of the issues legalisa...