The report says it is too early to understand the impact of these regulatory changes on recreational and problematic use of cannabis, and in the areas that they may affect, including health, criminal justice, and public expenditures.
It cites expert analyses on the impact of the legalisation of cannabis: the reduced production costs would put downward pressure on prices, and since cannabis consumption responds to prices, the lower prices will probably lead to higher consumption. It is estimated that for each 10 per cent drop in price, there will be about a 3 per cent increase in the total number of users and a 3-5 per cent increase in new young users.
The risks of cannabis for early users are listed, including "heavy dependence, lung problems, memory impairment, psychosocial development problems and mental health problems, and poorer cognitive performance associated with early initiation and persistent use between the early teenage years and adulthood".
Although the general public may perceive cannabis to be the least harmful illicit drug, the report reveals there has been a noticeable increase in people seeking treatment for cannabis use disorders over the past decade. Between 2003 and 2012, the proportion of total treatment admissions for cannabis increased in Australia and New Zealand (from 30 per cent to 46 per cent), with one in four seeking treatment, primarily for cannabis usage.
While pro-cannabis supporters may argue that it does not lead to further drug use, the evidence points to the fact it does. The UN report finds that polydrug use is a common occurrence among recreational and regular drug users. In a US study, almost half of treatment admissions were for polydrug use, with alcohol, cocaine and cannabis being the most common substances.
In New Zealand, along with the high cannabis use, experts have reported that there has been an increase in the use of heroin, pharmaceutical opioids, prescription stimulants and synthetic cannabinoids.
The report revealed that Australia and New Zealand are the highest users of party pill Ecstasy in the world. Only in cocaine use was New Zealand absent from the world top three - maybe because no one earns enough to afford it - with Scotland coming in at number one.
Nor do I buy the image of cannabis users as peace-loving stoners. Last week we reported that police had seized 112 firearms nationally from people involved in the drug trade as part of their annual cannabis operation.
A look back at Bay of Plenty Times stories last month alone shows the link between cannabis and crime. Among our reports - a 23-year-old was jailed for sexual violation and burglary. Earlier the day of the incident, he had been smoking cannabis. In another report, a Matapihi man who punched a police officer in the face was jailed for cannabis cultivation, possession of cannabis for supply, selling cannabis, and assaulting a police officer. In another, a 21-year-old talented snowboarder from Whangamata, escaped conviction for cannabis offences with the judge warning: "I hope you go on to realise your potential."
In the Bay of Plenty, more than 15,000 cannabis plants were seized this year, with police saying $40 million of social harm was prevented. In these police raids, as well as cannabis, police found methamphetamine, LSD, ecstasy, firearms, and ammunition. Twenty-six children were found at 18 of these properties.
The UN report notes the correlation between crime and drug use. Worldwide, the large majority of drug use offences for the period 2003 to 2012 are associated with cannabis, in contrast to the general declining trend in property-related and violent crime.
Is it just coincidence that, alongside the dubious accolade of being the biggest cannabis users in the world. New Zealand also has a poor record in child abuse and domestic violence.
A recent Herald DigiPoll showed 20 per cent of respondents favoured legal cannabis, more than 30 per cent supported decriminalisation, and 45 per cent wanted to maintain prohibition. Yet earlier this year the strength of public opinion opposing synthetic cannabis forced regulatory change and perhaps indicates that there is little appetite for political reform.
Tauranga MP Simon Bridges said the Government opposed the legalisation of cannabis. Kevin Hague, the Green Party's Health spokesman said: "New Zealand's very high rates of cannabis use illustrate perfectly that the prohibition approach has failed to stop or apparently even restrict people using the drug. Most New Zealanders agree that it's time to at least decriminalise cannabis possession and use, and the evidence supports them. The Green Party's position is that such a change is overdue."
A New Zealand First spokesman said any changes to current laws must only occur following a comprehensive public debate and a referendum.
Labour associate health spokesman Iain Lees-Galloway said: "The legal status of cannabis is a conscience issue ... We agree with the Law Commission that the Misuse of Drugs Act needs to be replaced because it is not fit for purpose in the 21st century. Labour would do that through a consultative process, using the recommendations of the Law Commission report as our starting point."
In June, the Bay of Plenty Times reported that Laila Harre, leader of the Internet Party, wants cannabis decriminalised but added it was not official party policy.
As a parent, the UN report makes sobering and frightening reading. Parents I know put drug and alcohol use in New Zealand, as well as bullying, top of the list of their worst fears for their children in the future. Far more concerning than affordable housing and class sizes. I will not be voting for any party that softens the current line on drugs. On the contrary more could be done. As well as prohibition I think there should be more education about drug risks. With a general election looming, voters can mark their preference.
