July 07, 2020
Social factors weigh on cannabis question
An expert panel called together by the Prime Minister’s chief science advisor says the harm done to Māori by current cannabis laws is a reason for change.
Professor Juliet Gerrard and panel co-chair Professor Tracey McIntosh from Ngāi Tūhoe say the evidence on the effects of legalisation is mixed and constantly evolving.
However, it is clear the current law causes harm to sectors of the community.
Māori are more likely to be arrested for and convicted of cannabis-related offences than non-Māori, even after adjusting for rates of use.
The social harms from contact with the criminal justice system, especially from having a drug conviction, are lifelong and impact the wider whānau.
Professor McIntosh says legalising cannabis could have important positive implications for social equity outcomes, particularly for Māori, and could broaden and empower community responses to prevent social harm.
The panel’s evidence summary has been internationally peer-reviewed and is now published online.
(https://www.pmcsa.ac.nz/topics/cannabis/)
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