‘Tide is turning’: New Zealand’s cannabis referendum sparks Tide is turning: New Zealands cannabis referendum sparks debate in Australia. 18 hours ago In addition to deciding the fate of their political representatives on Saturday, New Zealanders also cast their votes on the burning issue of cannabis legalisation. While the results of that referendum wont be known until October 30, it has already sparked conversation across the ditch, with both pro- and anti-cannabis law reform campaigners in Australia watching closely. New Zealands cannabis referendum has been on the cards since 2017, when Jacinda Ardern won the support of the countrys Green Party by agreeing to put cannabis law reform to a national poll. In the months leading up to the poll, former NZ prime ministers came out to bat for legalized Cannabis. Labours Helen Clark has been a staunch pro-cannabis campaigner. The former PM described the legalisation of cannabis as a no-brainer.