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Joined: Dec 01, 2003 Posts: 5754 Location: Christchurch, NZ
Law Commisson is reviewing 1975 Misuse of Drugs Act Posted: Fri Jan 29, 2010 7:09 pm
UPDATE: The Law Commission discussion paper on the MoD 1975 Act has been released, and public submissions are being solicited.
Links to it and other information, including an example of a submission are posted herehttps://norml.org.nz/article705.html
There will be a fairly short window of opportunity for submissions on it by members of the public and other interested parties. About early April, I think.
* * * * * * * *
And this has also been released, by the Ministry of Health:
Executive Summary Introduction
This report presents the key findings about drug use (other than alcohol and tobacco) for recreational purposes in the New Zealand adult population, from the 2007/08 New Zealand Alcohol and Drug Use Survey. A publication about alcohol use by New Zealand adults was released earlier in 2009.
The 2007/08 New Zealand Alcohol and Drug Use Survey measured alcohol and other drug use behaviours among 6784 New Zealanders aged 16–64 years. The survey included questions about lifetime and past-year use of alcohol and other drugs, frequency of use, harms related to the use of alcohol and other drugs, help-seeking for alcohol and/or other drug use, and harms experienced due to other people’s alcohol and/or other drug use. The survey was carried out from August 2007 to April 2008 and had a weighted response rate of 60%.
Key findings
All results refer to drug use for recreational purposes among the New Zealand population aged 16–64 years in 2007/08.
Summary of drug use
The prevalence of having ever used drugs for recreational purposes was highest for the following drugs:
cannabis (46.4%)
BZP party pills (13.5%)
LSD and other synthetic hallucinogens (7.3%)
amphetamines (7.2%)
kava (6.3%)
ecstasy (6.2%).
The prevalence of having used drugs for recreational purposes in the last 12 months was highest for the following drugs:
cannabis (14.6%)
BZP party pills (5.6%)
ecstasy (2.6%)
amphetamines (2.1%)
LSD and other synthetic hallucinogens (1.3%).
Use of any drug for recreational purposes
Nearly one in two adults (49.0%) had used drugs (excluding alcohol, tobacco and BZP party pills) for recreational purposes at some point in their lifetime, equating to about 1,292,700 people in the total population aged 16–64 years in New Zealand.
Among people who had ever used any drug, one in three (34.6%) had first used drugs when aged 15–17 years, and 27.8% had first used drugs when aged 18–20 years.
In the last year, one in six (16.6%) adults had used any drug for recreational purposes, equating to 438,200 people.
Cannabis
- Almost half of New Zealand adults had used cannabis at some point in their lifetime (46.4%), which represents approximately 1,224,600 people.
- Of those people who had ever used cannabis, one in six (16.2%) had first tried it when aged 14 years or younger, and one in three (35.7%) had first tried it when they were aged 15–17 years.
- One in seven (14.6%) adults had used cannabis in the past year.
- Among past-year cannabis users, 39.1% used cannabis at least weekly in the past year, and over half (54.0%) had used cannabis at least monthly.
Joined: Aug 13, 2009 Posts: 553 Location: Dark side of the moon.
Re: Law Commisson is reviewing 1975 Misuse of Drugs Act Posted: Fri Jan 29, 2010 8:31 pm
paula wrote:
Nearly one in two adults (49.0%) had used drugs (excluding alcohol, tobacco and BZP party pills) for recreational purposes at some point in their lifetime, equating to about 1,292,700 people in the total population aged 16–64 years in New Zealand.
Cannabis
- Almost half of New Zealand adults had used cannabis at some point in their lifetime (46.4%), which represents approximately 1,224,600 people.
.
Prohibition is clearly working then... Half the adult population! If that is not a failed policy what is? If you are one of the small percentage of people that get a criminal conviction for cannabis you are very unlucky given the odds.
When the Law Commission is calling for submissions on a particular topic you are welcome to have your say. You can send a submission to the Law Commission by post or email.
The Law Commission’s processes are essentially public and copies of submissions made to the Commission will usually be made available on request. The Commission may also mention submissions in its publications. Any request for the withholding of information on the grounds of confidentiality or for any other reason will be determined in accordance with the Official Information Act 1982.
Contact details are:
Law Commission
PO Box 2590
Wellington
Phone: (04) 473 3453
Email: com@lawcom.govt.nz _________________ "don't hate the media, become the media" ~ Jello Biafra
Are we to assume MoH are releasing another survey about medical and other non recreational illicit drug use eg heroin or meth addiction - not much fun, and certainly not use by choice of leisure time pursuits. Or might MoH consider all illicit drug use recreational - just like all alcohol use... Tui. Its so fun putting a needle in 20x like you are a pin cushion before finding the right spot. The language selected, or more its insistent repetition reveals a certain attitude maybe, or wanton loss of contact with reality.
I counted 6 recreationals - definitely MoHs favorite word unlike illicit!
Joined: Dec 01, 2003 Posts: 5754 Location: Christchurch, NZ
Posted: Sat Jan 30, 2010 9:36 pm
Quote:
Are we to assume MoH are releasing another survey about medical and other non recreational illicit drug use eg heroin or meth addiction
I haven't read the whole thing yet zinger, its 200+ pages and my printer is out of ink So there might be more in there. I wouldn't have a clue yet. Once I was phone interviewed for this annual survey, it asked a lot of questions.
Some interesting stuff here, sorta surprised so many people have tried kava, also surprised (pleasantly so) that amphetamines come in reasonably low although I suppose 2% of 4million means there's still plenty of crack heads running about.
Joined: Dec 05, 2006 Posts: 110 Location: New Zealand
Posted: Tue Feb 02, 2010 11:59 am
A note to forum moderators - it might be useful for Norml to set up a special forum topic on MODA, i.e. a higher level topic like "Get active", "Letter writing". Plus Norml forum people should sign up to the Law Commission's own online consult site http://talklaw.co.nz/
A note to forum moderators - it might be useful for Norml to set up a special forum topic on MODA, i.e. a higher level topic like "Get active", "Letter writing". Plus Norml forum people should sign up to the Law Commission's own online consult site http://talklaw.co.nz/
Thanks Ross....
Could also be an idea to support the cause with a healthy donation to NORML.
LEGALISE IT! _________________ "don't hate the media, become the media" ~ Jello Biafra
canna drug foundation help Legalise Our Lifestyle? Posted: Wed Feb 03, 2010 12:24 am
Ross_Bell wrote:
A note to forum moderators - it might be useful for Norml to set up a special forum topic on MODA, i.e. a higher level topic like "Get active", "Letter writing". Plus Norml forum people should sign up to the Law Commission's own online consult site http://talklaw.co.nz/
Outbreak of cannabis clubs deemed unlikely
11/01/2010 7:20:02
The New Zealand Drug Foundation is dismissing claims cannabis clubs will be set up around the country. BREAKING NEWS Ross... WATCH THIS SPACE
Auckland based club, Daktory, is planning to meet with other like minded kiwi's to set up affiliated clubs in other parts of New Zealand where users smoke and buy the Class C drug. Ken Morgan, also known as Dakta Green, is fronting the move.
But Drug Foundation Executive Director Ross Bell says Mr Morgan (his name is dakta green) is simply seeking attention. (attention is the point isn't it?)
"He's got his own little campaign happening and he's made some claims (but) I personally don't think there's going to be a great rush around the country of people setting up cannabis clubs".
While he does not support legalising cannabis, Mr Bell says the issue should be opened up for discussion. He says our drug problem is not going to be fixed through the criminal justice system as it is a health issue - and drug education and treatment are under funded.
does not support legalising cannabis? hhhmmmmmm... _________________ "don't hate the media, become the media" ~ Jello Biafra
Joined: Sep 18, 2005 Posts: 3709 Location: Sitting at computer.
Re: canna drug foundation help Legalise Our Lifestyle? Posted: Wed Feb 03, 2010 8:33 am
cess_pool_of_paranoia wrote:
Ross_Bell wrote:
A note to forum moderators - it might be useful for Norml to set up a special forum topic on MODA, i.e. a higher level topic like "Get active", "Letter writing". Plus Norml forum people should sign up to the Law Commission's own online consult site http://talklaw.co.nz/
Outbreak of cannabis clubs deemed unlikely
11/01/2010 7:20:02
The New Zealand Drug Foundation is dismissing claims cannabis clubs will be set up around the country. BREAKING NEWS Ross... WATCH THIS SPACE
Auckland based club, Daktory, is planning to meet with other like minded kiwi's to set up affiliated clubs in other parts of New Zealand where users smoke and buy the Class C drug. Ken Morgan, also known as Dakta Green, is fronting the move.
But Drug Foundation Executive Director Ross Bell says Mr Morgan (his name is dakta green) is simply seeking attention. (attention is the point isn't it?)
"He's got his own little campaign happening and he's made some claims (but) I personally don't think there's going to be a great rush around the country of people setting up cannabis clubs".
While he does not support legalising cannabis, Mr Bell says the issue should be opened up for discussion. He says our drug problem is not going to be fixed through the criminal justice system as it is a health issue - and drug education and treatment are under funded.
does not support legalising cannabis? hhhmmmmmm...
Ross's position is sounding more and more like simple posturing to get funding from govt, of late he hasn't done much publicly himself and did nothing when the medicinal cannabis bill was released. Just flitting round the edges and not causing waves.
All I can say is good on The Daktory and it's members for having the balls to stand up and be counted. _________________ A pain free day the marijuana way.
Joined: Sep 18, 2005 Posts: 3709 Location: Sitting at computer.
Posted: Wed Feb 03, 2010 8:40 am
Ross_Bell wrote:
A note to forum moderators - it might be useful for Norml to set up a special forum topic on MODA, i.e. a higher level topic like "Get active", "Letter writing". Plus Norml forum people should sign up to the Law Commission's own online consult site http://talklaw.co.nz/
It might be useful if the New Zealand Drug Foundation got more active than they have done in the past, stop skirting around the edges and tackle this head on. _________________ A pain free day the marijuana way.
Yes he does. In print he said "Norml is the kiss of death to cannabis law reform" some years ago. That could be a bit of paraphrasing but not much. I thnk it was in an Otago paper.
Joined: Aug 13, 2009 Posts: 553 Location: Dark side of the moon.
Posted: Wed Feb 03, 2010 7:51 pm
I don't know a lot about the NZDF but from what I have read in the press in recent times they do appear somewhat anti-cannabis.
Here is what they have to say about the health effects of cannabis:
"Health effects
Short-term effects
Greater quantities of cannabis can cause unpleasant effects, including:
Confusion
mild hallucinations
paranoia
impaired coordination
restlessness
depression.
Long-term effects
Long-term cannabis smoking affects both mental and physical health. The mental conditions include:
memory loss and brain function: The ability to learn and remember is impaired by regular cannabis use. Short-term memory is especially affected
concentration: Regular users find it harder to concentrate for longer periods of time
motivation: Regular users find it hard to stay motivated for sport, school and work, and their energy levels suffer. These effects do diminish over time after once cannabis use has ceased.
The smoking of cannabis presents similar health risks to tobacco smoking. Smoke releases carcinogens that can affect the respiratory system, and the risk increases because cannabis smokers tend to inhale more deeply and hold the smoke in longer.
There is also evidence that cannabis affects a person's hormones. Regular users sometimes report a lower sex drive, irregular menstrual cycles for women and lower sperm counts in men.
Whilst the last sentence is a breath of fresh air I believe the long-term health effects listed are debateable to say the least. Where is that "drug information" from? Organisations that make statements about cannabis like that as though they are undisputed fact are not just part of the problem but they are the problem.
It's great to see Ross on here but I can understand the reception. I'd be very interested to hear what exactly Ross's position is in regard to cannabis.
Here's another quote:
"There is growing evidence that cannabis use, especially long-term and heavy use, can cause significant harm to the brain and affect mental health."
What are these 'facts' based on? I must be reading different evidence (along with half the world) because the reports I see are at odds with what the NZDF says. That just leads me to question all of their information...
What say you? _________________ Whoever controls the Media, controls the mind.
The reality of trying to function within the political environment in New Zealand is the need to be seen saying what the system wants to hear.
The quickest way to find your funding trough empty and doors slammed shut in your face is to not toe the line..
The old NZDF of a few years ago was less intimidated than it is today , but I guess as the empire grows , the more funding required the more the need to conform.
One only had to look at the stance they took when the medpot bill was floating round..Total silence .. To tell the truth would have had them off side with the power makers , to support the propaganda would have made them look pathetic to their Peers , experts and anyone with an oz of common sense and integrity . So they just shut up.
^That's a reasonable question. Part of what they do is attend international drug conferences in places like Vienna.
If the NZDF have any credibility at all, they might like to give some more attention to the fact that through them apparently having no tangible policies on cannabis law reform, as long as cannabis is regulated by the gangs, on the black market, all hard drug use will escalate. More people will be introduced to the dangers of hard drugs and all the associated negativity such as contact with gangs and general criminal activity.
Part of any sound drug educational initiatives, or the aim of drug trusts, must surely be about priorities? No?
It's just that if methamphetamine for example, is so potencially harmful for many users and abusers, why or how, could the likes of the NZDF for example, have an informal policy which condones the cageing of herbalists? Is it not simply the case that such organisations took their eye off the ball and actually fuel all the harms from all drug use and abuse?
Perhaps it is the case, to some degree, or a larger degree, that many of these organisations are actually a signifigant reason for much and most of the harm that results from cannabis?
15'000 people per year prosecuted for cannabis! How, do tell, is this disgusting statistic conducive to good health?
Heads in buried in the sand is all.
It's an interesting factor though - similar to Professor Knutts sacking in the UK because he wouldn't tow the party line and chose to tell the truth - how telling the truth regards cannabis, or actually putting together an actual policy instead of sitting on the fence, may bring about a reduction in funding, or a suggestion that such organisation cease to exist.
Apparently, regarding cannabis, if you recieve Govt funding at least...as a trust, or a drug advisor...you are required to lie in order to pepetuate the party line. Don't, what ever you do, tell the truth, or put forward any policies which are sound and rational if they are at odds with the party line.
Oh I know...I have an idea...let's arrest people who possess or cultivate a herb and place them in cages.
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So there might be more in there. I wouldn't have a clue yet. Once I was phone interviewed for this annual survey, it asked a lot of questions.
