A dream to repurpose a historic church as a cannabis museum nightclub may go up in smoke.
The budding plan to repurpose the historic Christchurch Trinity Congregational Church has hit a funding snag.
The Whakamana Museum equity crowdfunding campaign on PledgeMe already has 278 donors, but founder Abe Gray says not enough cannabis users know about the project.
"We're undertaking an equity crowdfunding campaign to get ready for next year's referendum and prepare to become New Zealand's first cannabis dispensary and licenced consumption venue," he told Newshub.
"Even if just a small fraction invested at the minimum $50, we'd have well more than we need to create a Te Papa-quality cannabis museum where all the of exhibits fold away into a nightclub."
So far Gray has raised $204,591 - but wants $1 million. The campaign is due to close on Monday at 4pm.
"In the draft legislation that we saw last week, it was explicit that cannabis consumption venues and dispensaries would be allowed," said Gray, hoping Whakamana can be the first.
That's provided Kiws vote for legalisation at next year's referendum, being held at the same time as the general election.
The plan is to also have a hemp food eatery and alcohol-free nightclub.
Gray says the sooner they get the funds and the green light, the better. If you do contribute, you won't have to hand over any money until after Christmas.