Young Maori are at greater risk of dependence on cannabis than their non-Maori peers and may be better off if cannabis laws change, according to a University of Otago review of research.
They are more likely to use cannabis and more likely to be convicted for cannabis offences than non-Maori.
Those findings are included in the paper "Cannabis, the cannabis referendum and Maori youth: a review from a life-course perspective", which includes information from New Zealand longitudinal studies.
“These same studies found that 95% of people who were arrested or convicted of cannabis use either continued using cannabis at a similar or increased rate, suggesting that cannabis laws do not stop people from using,” said Reremoana Theodore, co-director of the university’s National Centre for Lifecourse Research.
“The article was written because there have been few reports released, in the lead-up to the cannabis referendum in September, that have solely focused on issues for Maori.
“Many Maori parents and whanau are worried about the impact that the referendum will have on rangatahi [youth]," he said.
"There is a need to provide evidence-based information to help inform decisions ahead of the referendum to either vote ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to legalising the personal use of cannabis.”
She highlighted inequity of access to health services as among the "wider determinants" putting rangatahi Maori at greater risk of dependence.
"Understanding cannabis issues for rangatahi Maori is important because of the developing adolescent brain.
"Studies to date have found that early and regular cannabis use in adolescence has been associated with poorer cognitive and mental health outcomes, particularly for those individuals with a family history.”
The draft Cannabis Legalisation and Control Bill released by the Government sets the minimum age of cannabis purchase and use at 20 years old.
A person aged 19 or younger found in possession of cannabis will receive a health-based response — an education session, for example — or a small fine, but will not be convicted.
Recommendations in the review paper include treating regular cannabis use as a health issue, not a criminal problem.
Criminalising drug use may stop rangatahi Maori from becoming educated about the effects of cannabis or stop them from seeking help if they are having problems with their cannabis use, the article suggests.
The review article also recommends ongoing monitoring of youth cannabis use to help ensure rates of use or dependence do not increase if cannabis use is legalised.