BEYOND THE LAVA LAMP
Right now, New Zealand is discussing legislation which, if passed, would allow the production and dispensing of medicinal cannabis. If the USA is anything to go by, that could be the gateway legislation towards decriminalisation and the brick-and-mortar retailing of marijuana. Consensus over contentious issues is usually hard fought – until recently the issue of cannabis has been no exception – however, divisions that enforced the status quo are breaking down. Evidence-based health policy is becoming widespread on both sides of the political aisle; meanwhile, examples from overseas of legalisation and decriminalisation continue to filter back home. As this formerly illegal industry looks to move in from the cold, it will, potentially, have an impact on health services, tax revenue, criminal justice and employment; aside from this, what role will design play?
The story of the legalisation of cannabis and design is one of a
