Cannabis, The Cannabis Referendum And Maori Youth: A Review From A Lifecourse Perspective

For Maori, the Indigenous peoples of Aotearoa New Zealand, cannabis use and resulting interactions with the justice system are shaped by structural determinants of inequity including the country's colonial history and the ongoing consequences and impacts of colonisation, institutional racism and poverty. Maori have higher rates of cannabis use than non-Maori and are more likely to be convicted on cannabis charges, even accounting for higher rates of use. In 2020, New Zealanders will vote either 'yes' or 'no' to legalising personal cannabis use. Ensuring Maori rights to health equity and parity of outcomes is a government responsibility under Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi). This paper synthesises information from previous research studies, with a focus on lifecourse research, to describe how cannabis may affect the health and wellbeing of Maori youth. Maori are a proportionately youthful and growing population. Based on current evidence we make recommendations to support the wellbeing of Maori youth and reduce inequities across the lifecourse. These include treating regular cannabis use and dependence as a health not a criminal issue; age restrictions for purchasing cannabis; equal partnership with Maori to support effective policy, regulation and services; and ongoing monitoring of cannabis use by youth.