Cannabis is the most widely used illegal drug in New Zealand. In the population of more than 4-million, 13.4% of those between the ages of 16-64 use cannabis. This ranks as the ninth highest marijuana consumption level in the world.[1] The use of cannabis in New Zealand is governed by the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975, which makes unauthorised possession of any amount of cannabis illegal. However, there are some political efforts seeking to remove penalty on its use for those over 18 years of age.
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Cannabis is the most widely used illegal drug in New Zealand and the third most widely used recreational drug after alcohol and tobacco.[2] The usage by those aged between 16-64 is 13.4%, the ninth highest level of consumption in the world,[1] and 15.1% of those who smoked cannabis used it ten times or more per month.[2] According to a UN study usage by 15-45 year olds in 2003 was about 20% and this dropped to 17.9% in 2010.[3]
A 25 year longitudinal study of 1000 people concluded that "regular or heavy cannabis use was associated with an increased risk of using other illicit drugs, abusing or becoming dependent upon other illicit drugs, and using a wider variety of other illicit drugs".[4] The lead author of the study, Professor David Fergusson, stated that "the regular use of cannabis increases the risks that young people will try other illicit drugs. What’s not clear are the underlying processes that lead to this association."[5]
Cannabis use is controlled by the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975. Possession of any amount of cannabis is illegal and can result in a fine of up to $500 or even a 3-month prison sentence (though the latter is rarely used). Anyone caught in possession of more than 28 grams of cannabis or 100 cannabis joints is classed as a dealer unless the defendant can prove he or she is not. Cannabis is a Class C drug, of which the penalty for dealing can result in a maximum prison sentence of 14 years under the Act. There have been many public campaigns to decriminalise Cannabis but so far none have succeeded. It is generally accepted that the usage rate is high and possession in small quantities may not often be prosecuted. In some cases first offences may not always result in convictions.
The minor Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party has stood candidates since the 1996 election. It had its best result in 1996 when it won 1.66% of the vote.[6]
In 2006, Green Party MP Metiria Turei's Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Bill was drawn from the member's ballot.[7] The bill received a conscience vote at its first reading, and was defeated 84–34.[8]
At least four people have died while policing cannabis in New Zealand.
Detective Travis Hughes and Christopher Scott were killed when their Cessna 172 crashed in Central Otago while on cannabis reconnaissance.[9][10] Detective Tony Harrod died falling from a helicopter sling recovering plants in Taranaki.[11][12]
During the 2009 Napier shootings, Jan Molenaar fired on three police officers executing a cannabis search warrant, killing Senior Constable Len Snee. People who knew Molenaar described a long standing, tense relationship between him and the police surrounding the legality of his cannabis involvement, saying, 'Molenaar believed his home was being watched and told friends he was determined to "go out in blaze of glory" if police came to arrest him',[13] and, 'police knew who Molenaar was and knew what he would do in a situation'.[14]
Cannabis-based medicines such as Sativex are legally available in New Zealand with a prescription from a specialist doctor.[15] The New Zealand Medical Association (NZMA) supports having evidence based peer reviewed studies of medical cannabis.[16] In 2010 the New Zealand Law Commission made a recommendation to allow for its medical use.[17] The NZMA, which made submissions on the issues paper, supports the stance put forward by the Law Commission.[3]