Dear Editor, With reference to recent opinions penned and stories published in Cook Islands News. I want to confirm that it is against the law to bring any form of cannabis product into the Cook Islands including CBD – cannabidiol – which is an ingredient in cannabis and has some therapeutic uses, without providing the ‘high’ that some cannabis users seek.

Under the Cook Islands Narcotics and Misuse of Drugs Act – it is illegal to import any form of cannabis into the country. CBD is a form of cannabis and under our legislation cannabis (in all forms) is a controlled drug and so therefore subject to the Narcotics and Misuse of Drugs Act.

The ingredient that causes the ‘high’ is THC (tetrahydrocannabinols,) and while some countries allow the use of cannabis products like CBD, with a very low and prescribed level of THC, the current Cook Islands law bans the importation of any cannabis product.

It is not correct to suggest that CBC is freely available over the counter in New Zealand. Up until recently it was only available when prescribed by a doctor but may now be made available by pharmacists with special conditions.

Any change to the current Cook Islands Narcotics and Misuse of Drugs Act, will need to go through a full and proper Parliamentary process. Government intends to have legislative amendments ready for the December sitting to clarify the issues around importation.

Tingika Elikana MP

Chair

Cannabis Referendum Committee