Cannabis

Cannabis use is widespread in New Zealand and the health problems associated with excessive use are well documented. The NZMA supports a harm minimisation approach aimed at reducing the incidence and severity of drug problems.

Drug addiction is more a health problem than a criminal problem. Health promotion strategies are likely to be more effective where they are not linked to an environment of illegality and criminality.

Provided it can be shown that increased harm would not result, the NZMA does not oppose partial decriminalisation of the possession or use of small amounts of cannabis.

Internationally, there has been a move towards researching the medical benefits of cannabis.

The NZMA supports research into the benefits of cannabis for medical use, and into alternative delivery systems. It is important that such research is evidence-based and carried out using standard scientific methodology.

Adopted by NZMA Board, 9 February 2001.