The Salvation Army is calling for drug reform but does not support the legalisation of cannabis.
The charity said on Wednesday the proposed referendum does not provide enough options between the current law and legalisation.
"It is extremely unfortunate that the referendum process has been designed in a way that provides little option between the inadequate law that currently exists around cannabis and the legalisation of it," says Salvation Army spokesperson Lynette Hutson.
New Zealanders will be asked in the upcoming election whether they support the proposed Cannabis Legalisation and Control Bill.
The proposed bill outlines a way for the Government to regulate cannabis - its main purpose is to reduce cannabis-related harm to individuals, families, whānau and communities.
The bill intends to restrict young people's access to cannabis, eliminate the illegal supply of cannabis and ensure only New Zealanders aged 20 and over are able to possess or consume the drug in limited circumstances. It would also control the production and supply of cannabis, including controlling the potency and contents of licensed cannabis and cannabis products.
Hutson says the Army would support "a form of decriminalisation" with a focus on health - "particularly a shift away from society's response of punishment to a more compassionate health response when cannabis possession is deemed to be for personal use".
However people who produce and supply cannabis should face "strict legal prohibition".
"Cannabis is not the benign substance that many people would have us believe," says Hutson.
If the vote passes the Salvation Army says it would strongly advocate for a clear emphasis on health promotion with the aim of reducing cannabis use, as well as significant funding for addiction treatment.
If the referendum does not pass, it says it wants criminal sanctions removed for the use of cannabis as well as boosts in addiction services and education campaigns regardless.
Green Party MP and party spokesperson for drug reform Chloe Swarbrick says campaigns advocating against the legalisation of recreational cannabis are casting "fear and doubt" on the referendum.
"I think it's really important that Kiwis understand that this referendum is not about whether you like, support or use cannabis," she said on Sunday
"This referendum is about the kind of frameworks that we want in response to a substance that 80 percent of the population will use in their lifetime - and that 11 percent of the population uses on a regular basis."
While non-binding, the incumbent Government is expected to legalise recreational use of cannabis if reelected and the vote passes. National has said it may shelve the bill if the select committee advises against passing it.
