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NZ and Australia lead weed users - UN

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NZ and Australia lead weed users - UN

3News NZ

The UN estimates between 9.1 and 14.6 percent of the New Zealand and Australian populations use cannabis, compared to the estimated annual worldwide usage of 2.6 to 5.0 percent

The UN estimates between 9.1 and 14.6 percent of the New Zealand and Australian populations use cannabis, compared to the estimated annual worldwide usage of 2.6 to 5.0 percent

Cannabis is the most widely used illicit drug in the world, with New Zealanders and Australians reported to be leading the world in using it.

The United Nations says in its latest global report on drug use and trafficking that between 9.1 and 14.6 percent of the New Zealand and Australian populations use the drug, compared to the estimated annual worldwide usage of 2.6 to 5.0 percent.

In New Zealand, the UN reported that a decrease in the use of Ecstasy is reported to have been offset by the use of other substances mimicking its effects, including piperazines, cathinone and mephedrone.

Australia and New Zealand, together with North America and Europe, remain major markets for cocaine, with the latest data pointing to an increase in Australian cocaine use.

"There was an increase in cocaine use reported in Oceania from an estimated 1.4 to 1.7 percent in 2009 to 1.5 to 1.9 percent in 2010, essentially reflecting the increase in cocaine use in Australia, whereas cocaine use remained stable in Western and Central Europe," the report said.

The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) report, based on 2010 data, noted a global increase in the use of pharmaceuticals for non-medical purposes, which climbed from 3.7 percent in 2007 to 4.2 percent in 2010.

The UNODC also reported "new synthetic psychoactive substances" chemically engineered to remain outside international control are being increasingly used.

All regions, particularly Europe, North America and Oceania, reported the use of these substances "as an emerging trend".

NZN

 

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Comments

29/06/2012 6:59:54 p.m.

Steve Marshall wrote:

I think writer has simply has misinterpreted the executive summary. Here are the cannabis figures: CANNABIS Annual Prevalence of Use as a percentage of the population aged 15-64 (unless otherwise indicated) New Zealand - 14.6 (no uncertainty range) For ages 16-64. Australia - 10.3 (no uncertainty range) For ages 14+ Australasia does not lead the world for cannabis use For example: Palau - 24.2 (Uncertainty range is 19.8 - 28.6) For ages 15 - 64 Source: http://www.unodc.org/unodc/secured/wdr/Prev_All_2012.pdf

29/06/2012 4:31:08 p.m.

Lily Baalath wrote:

might as well legalise it then ... save our police 000s of hours they could be putting to better use (that's an encouragement, not a slagging). Marijuana slows you down, it doesn't hype you up (hence the term 'stoned'), where other drugs give bursts of energy (hence the term 'high'). 'Stoned' and 'high' are two very different states. Perhaps the more 'stoners' out there, the less active negative behaviour (e.g. violence) we'll see? I dont mind stoners ... they do housework, or watch tv - easy people to live with. ... a bit dill-brained, but ah well :)

29/06/2012 10:09:47 a.m.

John wrote:

@ Bukster... i agree, with about 70% of my large group of friends aged 18-35 being regular cannabis smokers i think your estimate is about right.

Not to sure where they get these stats... most pot smokers will deny being a smoker because it is illegal... in a survey my lawyer and scientist friends would never admit smoking pot in fear of employers finding out.

I am self employed and run a very successfull business, im happy to admit i smoke weed every day! : )

27/06/2012 7:17:31 p.m.

Luke wrote:

Is that such a bad thing?? I mean like if you compare the statistics with other drugs eg alchol, Marijuana is the safe way to go.

27/06/2012 5:51:11 p.m.

bukster wrote:

The only surprise here is the low percentage of cannabis users. I would have expected 20 - 25 % of the population to be regular users.

27/06/2012 4:33:22 p.m.

Shane wrote:

so why doesn't NZ sell and tax this renewable resource through responsible licensed retailers? I'm bet we'd make millions a year easily, cut the crime rate, cut the need for spending on new prison construction and it would cease being a "gateway drug".