SYDNEY, Australia — The question from the debate moderator in New Zealand was simple and to the point: “Jacinda Ardern, have you ever used cannabis?”
“Yes I did,” said Ms. Ardern, the country’s popular prime minister, “a long time ago.”
The moderator paused, looking surprised. Then the audience applauded.
Roughly 80 percent of New Zealanders have tried marijuana, according to independent studies — more than double the rate for Australians, and far above what Americans report, too.