The Law Commission released a paper this week on the misuse of drugs act, saying patterns of drug use have changed since the introduction of the act in 1975.

Harsher penalties for large scale drug dealing and a case for more flexible approaches to possession of small quantities of drugs for personal use are on the table.

But Justice Minister Simon Power told media yesterday there wasn't a chance drug laws would be relaxed as long as he is the Minister of Justice.

Otago Norml spokesman Abe Gray says if an elected minister is going to write off the report before debate can take place, civil disobedience is the only option.

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