Pubdate: Sat, 09 Aug 2003
Source: New Zealand Herald (New Zealand)
Copyright: 2003 New Zealand Herald
Contact:  http://www.nzherald.co.nz/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/300
Author: Ruth Berry
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)

THE POTTED FACTS 

* Cannabis is the third most popular drug in New Zealand, after alcohol and
tobacco. The committee says it is widely used for its "euphoric" effect.

* Use in New Zealand is comparable to the US, lower than Australia and
higher than the Netherlands.

* Most recent survey results (Public Health Research Unit) indicate just
over 50 per cent of 15- to 45-year-olds tried cannabis in 2001, up from 40
per cent a decade earlier.

* Heaviest users were 18- to 24-year-olds.

* Health Ministry estimates in 1999 that nearly 20 per cent of population
will suffer an alcohol use disorder and 2 to 3 per cent are at risk of
cannabis dependence disorder.

* About 22,000 people a year arrested for cannabis offences between 1994 and
2000.

* Maori convictions are disproportionate to the Maori percentage of the
population and Maori cannabis use rates.

* Over the past five years, about 65 per cent of cannabis offences resulted
in prosecution, with about 26 per cent resolved by warning or caution.

* 9399 people were arrested for cannabis use in 1999.

* Cannabis offences accounted for 94 per cent of all drug offences in the
past decade, and 4.6 per cent of all offences.

* Cannabis law enforcement accounted for $19 million of the $790 million
police budget (2 per cent) in 2000-2001.

* 552 written submissions (439 from individuals) to committee, nine expert
submissions and 1978 form submissions stating that a public health
perspective should replace a criminal justice approach.

* 52 per cent of submissions supported legalisation and regulation of
cannabis, and a further 20 per cent supported decriminalisation in some
form. Only 21.7 per cent supported the status quo.

* Most opposed any change allowing under-18s to use cannabis.
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MAP posted-by: Josh