Citizens across New Zealand voted to legalize euthanasia for the terminally ill but collectively opted against allowing recreational marijuana use, according to initial results posted Friday.
With nearly all the votes counted, New Zealanders showed unwavering support for the euthanasia law with 65% voting in favor and 34% voting against. The nation joins only a handful of others to approve such a measure.
The figures for recreational marijuana however, were significantly closer, though it is still unlikely to be passed.
About 53% of citizens voted against legalizing the drug for recreational use while 46% voted in favor, which means the measure could still pass once all special votes are counted next week.
Proponents of the cannabis measure expressed frustration with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who declined to express her position on legalization prior to the election results. Following her landslide victory on Oct. 17, she revealed that she voted in support of both measures.
Throughout her campaign, which was mostly overshadowed coronavirus, Ardern did express her support for the euthanasia referendum, which also allows for assisted suicide.
Starting on Nov. 6, 2021 doctors will be able to legally prescribe a lethal dose of medicine likely to end the life of a patient suffering from terminal illnesses within six months.
To be eligible, patients must exhibit a significant and ongoing decline in physical ability as well as experience “unbearable” suffering that is not likely to end. The patient also must voluntarily request the procedure and show that they are able to make an informed decision.
Two doctors are also required to sign off on the procedure.
With News Wire Services
