A majority of one would be enough to legalise cannabis, if the referendum turns on special votes

There are 480 thousand specials still to count...and only a few percentage points separating the preliminary no from a yes.

Otago University law professor Andrew Geddis says if those votes flip the referendum, even the smallest majority will be enough.

The Government has said it'll change the law if that's what the majority of people want.

He says says if the no vote seals victory, it's possible we'll see the Government move towards decriminalisation instead.