Mattersof Substance. November 2015 Volume 26 Issue No.4 www.drugfoundation.org.nz

Has NZ’s drug law passed its use by date? The core of the Misuse of Drugs Act remains the same as the day as it was passed in 1975, yet the world has moved on. Contents Has NZ’s ABOUT drug law 28 A DRUG passed its use by date? FEATURE STORY COVER: We look at some of the costs of our ageing drug law. 18

COVER 06 STORY

NZ NEWS 18 WORLD NEWS 04

FEATURES Become 06 18 22 26 a member Has NZ’s drug law Mäori MPs reconsider Longer course Early days for UNGASS passed its use drug law on alcohol and 2016 declaration The New Zealand Drug Foundation has by date? Mäori MPs agree and other drugs Country positions on a new been at the heart of major alcohol and Many people end up disagree on questions At Taieri College, health declaration to end the world other drug policy debates for over 20 years. paying a high price for of drug law change classes cover alcohol and drug problem, in brief During that time, we have demonstrated an outdated law other drugs at all levels a strong commitment to advocating policies and practices based on the best evidence available.

You can help us. A key strength of the Drug Foundation lies in its diverse membership REGULARS base. As a member of the Drug Foundation, you will receive information about major The Director’s Cut 01 alcohol and other drug policy challenges. You can also get involved in our work to 30 34 36 Events 01 find solutions to those challenges. GUEST EDITORIAL OPINION Q&A News 02 Our membership includes health promoters, Treatment as A nation in denial? Julian McMahon About a Drug 28 primary health and community organisations, prevention? How Nathan Frost says it’s Premeditated state- researchers, students, schools and boards about prevention Viewpoints 32 time to talk about alcohol sanctioned killing of trustees, policy makers, and addiction as prevention?! Q&A 36 problems, not pretend of a prisoner is treatment agencies and workers. The priority for stopping they don’t exist never defensible Mythbusters 37 the spread of hep C should Membership and subscription enquiries be on early prevention, [email protected] argues Charles Henderson or visit our website.

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matters of substance is published matters of substance invites Brand development/ NZ Drug Foundation by the New Zealand Drug feedback and contributions. graphic design 4th Floor, 265 Wakefield Street Foundation. All rights reserved. If you’re interested in Insight +64 4 801 6644 PO Box 3082, Wellington, Neither this publication nor any contributing a guest editorial [email protected] New Zealand part of it may be reproduced or article, please contact us: www.designedbyinsight.com p +64 4 801 6303 matters of substance without prior permission of the [email protected] November 2015 Drug Foundation. p +64 4 801 6303 Vol 26 No. 4 ISSN 1177-200X THE DIRECTOR’S CUT SOCIAL

@SanhoTree First drug warriors dismissed smoked cannabis b/c it has too many impurities. Now they freak out b/c it is too pure to vape. #makeupyourmind SEP 9

@mattnoffs Let’s create an environment where drug use is secondary and pales in comparison to a flourishing life. SEP 30

@picardonhealth Students more likely to have sex when they smoke pot, binge drink http://bit.ly/1hMg3Oy … Seriously, they needed a study? OCT 8 id you see the furore last month with the leaked United Nations’ report on drug @RichardDiNatale “The real test is not just if cannabis decriminalisation? It had all the hallmarks of a great conspiracy: a shocking secret can be grown, but whether or not it can get into report supressed by sinister diplomatic the hands of patients who need it.” OCT 16 pressure, revealed to the world thanks D only to the valiant whistleblowing of @publicaddress There’s a company whose sole Sir Richard Branson. business is creating fake weed for use in movies: Looking back it was probably a storm ROSS BELL http://www.sugavision.com/sugavision/ Executive Director in a tea cup. We shouldn’t be surprised that cannabis_props.html … OCT 18 the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has put its weight behind decriminalisation. @richardbranson Applaud @UNODC for supporting It’s not the first time the office has said as much, which now decriminalization of drug users. Right move at the aligns them with the positions of ten other UN bodies plus the Secretary General. right time http://virg.in/wd #stoptheharm … OCT 18 The “leaked paper” is a simple two-page statement explaining that decriminalising drug use and possession for personal @GlobalDrugSurvy GDS2015 found that 1% of consumption is consistent with international drug control #cannabis users sought emergency medical conventions. It is argued these changes may be necessary for treatment in the last year? Help us reduce the countries to meet obligations under international human rights risk - globaldrugsurvey.com/GDS2016 … NOV 10 law. This is important to hear, so the UNODC should publish the statement without fuss. With the United Nations family forming a more coherent position on decriminalisation and stepping up its advocacy KEY EVENTS & DATES for public health and human rights-based responses to drugs, we have to ask what does this mean for countries including ours? 59th Session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND), As a responsible global citizen New Zealand should take note and Vienna, Austria measure its own responses to drug harm against these UN proposals. 14–22 MAR 2016 I sense there’s a new willingness to do this. Statements made at recent UN drug policy meetings have highlighted principles in the United Nations General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) government’s new national drug policy – namely proportion, on the World’s Drug Problem, New York, USA innovation and compassion. www.unodc.org/ungass2016 So how do those principles translate into practice through our 19–21 APR 2016 drug law? My assessment is that the Misuse of Drugs Act is none of 10th Annual Conference of the International Society for the these things. Significant reform or repeal of the law is the only Study of Drug Policy (ISSDP), Sydney correct thing to do. www.issdp2016.com

We have long argued a health-focused drug law should remove 16–18 MAY 2016 criminal penalties for minor drug offences; we favour the “Portugal Model” where sanctions are replaced with appropriate public Australian and New Zealand Addiction Conference 2016, Gold Coast, Australia health and treatment interventions. www.addictionaustralia.org.au

There is more support every day for such an approach, both 18–20 MAY 2016 here and overseas. Outgoing Police Association President, Greg 21st International HIV/AIDS Conference (AIDS2016), O’Connor, has voiced support for treating drugs as a health issue Durban, South Africa after seeing first-hand the results of Colorado’s reforms. The Irish www.aids2016.org/ drug policy minister has just announced they’ll decriminalise 18 - 22 JUL 2016 drugs, including heroin. I think we are entering a new era in which we can engage Follow us the public and law makers on these tricky issues. It has taken Join us online us 40 years to get to this point, but can we agree to move forward drugfoundation.org.nz/connect with greater urgency now? www.drugfoundation.org.nz 01 News NZ. 03 Drug driver goes 05 No ban for 01 free after Police alcohol sachets 06 Drop in breath botch-up – yet tests

INCORRECT JUSTICE MINISTER Amy POLICE HAVE attributed INFORMATION on a Adams has rejected calls a sharp drop in breath Police form advised for a ban on alcohol sachets. tests to “working smarter”. officers they could The Eden Park Community Figures released under the charge motorists over drug Liaison Group said it was Official Information Act driving when in fact they worried the sachets were show that, in the past CTU head wants legal cannabis for couldn’t, a New Plymouth being smuggled into year, Police undertook just cancer pain judge has ruled. sporting events after over 2.5 million breath Justice Denis Clifford finding them left scattered alcohol tests, about quashed the conviction around the stadium. 457,000 fewer than the Council of Trade Unions President against Robert Dollimore Ms Adams told the group previous year. Helen Kelly is calling on the government for refusing to undergo a she had been advised that “Previously we did a lot of to promote wider access to medicinal compulsory impairment “sachets cannot be banned high volume checkpoints test. at this time” and that run on the theory that cannabis in New Zealand. Kelly made The offending form banning the products was high visibility around the comments after being diagnosed with incorrectly indicated “arguably unnecessary” checkpoints would deter a charge could be laid as they did not appear to a greater proportion of terminal lung cancer and exhausting all if a driver ‘failed or be widely available. public from drinking legal pain relief. refused’ to complete the Auckland Councillor Cathy and driving,” said assessment. Clifford’s Casey said the Minister’s road policing national In order to get access to cannabis oil, Kelly has to get ruling has led to an decision was “extremely operations manager both a doctor and specialist to apply to the Ministry update of the paperwork. disappointing”. Inspector Peter McKennie. of Health on her behalf, requesting a specific drug. Police say high visibility “I’m actually going to write to Peter Dunne, who’s got checkpoints will continue permission to give me cannabis oil, and I’m going to but with more targeting of ask him to do that,” Kelly said. hot locations. Prime Minister John Key has again ruled out broadened access to the medicine.

02 The social marketplace 04 Farewell Sir John Scott

profiles in order to His interests were wide, keeping an eye on us sell cannabis. as were the honours he long after his formal received including an duties concluded. The men, 29-year-old OBE awarded in 1988. Dalton Frederick Junior We value the immense Harris and 24-year-old Sir John had a vision to contribution Sir John Tukotahi King, each face ensure a health perspective made, not only to our two charges of possession was heard on drug policy. organisation but to TWO ROTORUA men WE WERE saddened to It was through his New Zealand’s national of cannabis with intent to have appeared before hear of the death in late leadership that the Drug life. Echoing the words of sell and selling cannabis. court charged with October of Sir John Scott, Foundation was established his colleague and friend dealing drugs through Using the web to buy and the Drug Foundation’s in 1989. At our 21st AGM, Professor Des Gorman MD social media. sell drugs is becoming founding chairperson. Sir John was awarded a PhD, “Haere rä, Emeritus In what is a New Zealand more popular as a result Sir John had a respected Life Membership in Professor Sir John Scott, first, the men are accused of the success of dark-web career as a doctor, teacher, recognition of his pivotal one of the true champions of using fake names and site Silk Road. researcher and leader. role. He never let up of medicine.”

02 matters of substance November 15 09 Greater THE PROPORTION OF treatment YOUTH TREATED BETWEEN 07 Thieves target access for tobacco young people 3 & 8 WEEKS HAS ALSO IMPROVED SIGNIFICANTLY.

05 10 % THE DATA SHOWS 85 % 07 HEALTH Minister 94 THIEVES STOLE several Jonathan Coleman says OF YOUNG PEOPLE more young people are thousand dollars’ worth WERE TREATED WITHIN of cigarettes in a crime 02 receiving treatment for THIS TIMEFRAME, A spree that spanned two problem alcohol and nights and included three drug use. separate raids around 03 “The most recent data Tauranga. 6% from district health boards INCREASE ON 2012. The cigarettes were stolen shows 85 percent of youth from two New World aged 19 or under were supermarkets and a BP seen within three weeks petrol station. of contacting a youth 26 Senior Sergeant Rob alcohol and drug service. 01 04 06 INITIATIVES ARE This exceeds the target Glencross cigarettes PART OF THE PRIME would have been stolen 08 09 of 80 percent and is a MINISTER’S YOUTH because they were a “very 12 percent lift compared MENTAL HEALTH PROJECT. tradeable commodity”. to 2012.” Work to speed up access to alcohol and other drug services is one of $62M 26 initiatives that are part OVER FOUR YEARS of the Prime Minister’s TO SUPPORT YOUNG Youth Mental Health PEOPLE WITH OR AT RISK Project. $62 million has OF DEVELOPING MILD TO MODERATE MENTAL been allocated over four HEALTH ISSUES. years for these initiatives.

09 SteerClear wins awards

was the winner of the Citizens at the Centre of Service Re-design and 08 Alcohol claims disputed Delivery category. SteerClear, an immersive and Alcoholism, has “While chronic abusive campaign that aims to struck out at claims made alcohol consumption inform young people of recently in Wellington is associated with a THE TEAM behind the the dangers of driving that moderate alcohol use plethora of health Drug Foundation’s while high, has been can cause cancer. problems including ‘SteerClear’ road safety running for 18 months. In an opinion piece titled cancer, attributing campaign received a Drug Demand Reduction To say moderate alcohol cancer to social moderate Ko Awatea 2015 Manager Cat Milburn said DR SAMIR Zakhari, use causes cancer is drinking is simply International Excellence it worked so well because former Director at the wrong, Zakhari said there incorrect and is not in Health Improvement it involved members of American National was a lack of evidence supported by the body Award in Auckland in the target audience – 16 to Institute of Alcohol Abuse supporting such a claim. of scientific literature.” September. SteerClear 24-year-old drivers.

www.drugfoundation.org.nz 03

NeNEwWsS

06 03 World. 09

01

Fast-moving medical cannabis in Australia State Governments in both New South Wales 03 Talk stops and Victoria want to legalise medicinal cannabis young drinking and are waiting on the Federal Government to pass empowering legislation.

Moves to allow local production by the Victorian Government come after public release of a report by the Victorian Law Reform Commission calling for introduction of a strictly controlled licensing scheme to produce medicinal cannabis. WITH CHILDREN from The necessary legal changes required to ensure Australia ages nine to 13 starting is not in breach of international drug conventions could to think postively about be in place as early as next year. Support for a cross- booze, it is essential party Bill has come from Prime Minister Malcolm parents and pediatricians Turnbull and Health Minister Sussan Ley. talk about the dangers “Allowing the cultivation of legal medicinal cannabis of drinking at this age. crops in Australia under strict controls strikes the right Research by the American balance between patient access, community protection Academy of Pediatrics 04 Cannabis petition debated and our international obligations,” Ley said. shows 21 percent of in the House American pre-teens have tried alcohol. case to relax drug laws 02 World drug problem violates for dope. human rights The pediatricians found alcohol advertising and However, the Government was unmoved. A said the world’s drug marketing leads to spokesperson said, problem impacts the increased likelihood “Substantial scientific enjoyment of a wide children will drink, and evidence shows cannabis range of human rights. if they are already 225,000 BRITS drinking, seeing ads and is a harmful drug that can Pansieri repeated the other marketing leads A petition calling to damage human health. United Nation’s call them to drink more. “make the production, There are no plans to on states to consider legalise cannabis as it A TOP United Nations Fortunately, children do sale and use of cannabis decriminalising would not address the official came out swinging still listen to their parents. legal” was debated in harm to individuals and for global drug law reform possession and use It was reported that four the House of Lords in communities.” during the 30th session of drugs “because out of five teenagers said early October. of the Human Rights criminalisation … has their parents had the MPs from all parties RESOURCES Council. Deputy High been shown to cause biggest influence over responded to the call from Commissioner for Human significant obstacles to when – and whether – over 225,000 petitioners, A full transcript is available Rights Flavia Pansieri the right to health”. they decided to drink. with many arguing the on theyworkforyou.co.uk

04 matters of substance November 15

08 Booze ad banned 04 08 02 05

AN ADVERT for Strongbow cider has actually been banned by the UK’s Advertising Standards Agency for suggesting alcohol comes ahead of a relationship with a loved one. The online only ad ran foul of regulators for something Heineken, the cider maker’s owners, said was a light-hearted spoof. “Not only is it appalling that a company such as Heineken UK, with a marketing budget of millions, is failing to 01 07 comply with the advertising codes, but it’s left to young people to 06 Drug offenders spot these adverts and freed highlight these failings,” said Alcohol Concern’s 07 Naloxone with head of policy Tom Smith. no prescription 09 Cannabis lifestyle 05 UNODC equivocates about decriminalisation 6,000 PRISONERS RELEASED statements, evidence and international law. The Obama administration released 6,000 people in THE AUSTRALIAN While senior UNODC federal prisons sentenced Therapeutic Goods officials are playing down to jail time for non-violent Administration is the status of the paper, TAKING CANNABIS to offences, including changing dispensing saying it was never the next level is the aim drug crimes. rules for the life-saving sanctioned nor is it of a new media companny A ‘LEAKED’ United overdose reversal drug complete, civil society Setting prisoners free being launched by rapper Nations Office on Drugs naloxone. From next advocates are lauding the came about after the Snoop Dogg. The company and Crime (UNODC) United States Sentencing February, it will be will produce videos, agency staff behind the report shows this key Commission reduced the available without stories and other features paper. Endorsing its drug policy body is penalties for many prescription from on different aspects of pot contents, Richard Branson shifting its thinking. non-violent drug crimes pharmacies. and lifestyle – with some wrote on his blog, “I hope in April 2014. The Changes to regulations policy and cannabiz On 18 October, a two-page this ground-breaking Commission said the new extend to allowing thrown in. briefing paper drawn up news will empower and guidelines could be families and friends by Dr Monica Beg, chief embolden governments This new encyclopaedia applied retroactively. of drug users to obtain of the HIV/AIDs section everywhere, including the of the cannabis world naloxone to keep on hand. of the UNODC in Vienna, UK, to do the right thing The American Civil illustrates how the was hastily retracted from and consider a different Liberties Union greeted This simple rule change introduction of legal public distribution. The course in drug policy.” the mass release as is being introduced to cannabis sales in just a paper offers a damning positive but said more reduce the number of few US states is already critique of criminalisation, needs to be done. The people dying from generating spin-off RESOURCES and the recommendations decision does not affect preventable overdoses – industries. Get all you for change are carefully http://nzdrug.org/unodc- 1.5 million Americans each year, around 650 need for a dope lifestyle referenced to relevant UN leaked-report held in state prisons. in Australia. from merryjane.com

www.drugfoundation.org.nz 05 Cover Story

Has NZ’s drug law passed its use by date?

A lot can happen in 40 years. The changes we’ve witnessed in Kiwi society are profound. As these spot the difference images show, this extends to the place of drugs in daily life. Yet the Misuse of Drugs Act (1975) is essentially the same as the day it was passed. Some of the costs of the legislation not keeping up are shared in this special anniversary feature.

06 matters of substance November 15 Illustrations by Ross Murray

www.drugfoundation.org.nz 07 Cover Story

In May 2011 the Law Commission recommended ... the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 should be repealed and replaced by a new Act administered by the Ministry of Health.

01 /07 A conviction is for life 02/07 A case for The cost of convicting young people 03/07 Unequal treatment before the law 04/07 change? Show me the money! 05/07 Stigma really hurts This special anniversary report was prepared by 06/07 State of personal use around the globe Andrew Zielinski, Cameron Price, Nathan Frost 07/07 and Stephen Blyth. 40 years of drug law

08 matters of substance November 15 01 /05 A conviction is for life

arry (not his real Eventually, calmer heads prevailed, And has it had an impact on name) is a 46-year- and we turned tail and trudged off your life opportunities? muttering menacing sentiments under old professional Well, as I got older and became aware of our breath. who works in sales the many and varied opportunities life Well, of course, the cops arrived to for a multinational holds, I definitely avoided heading down technology search my friend, and after finding the certain paths because I wondered how company. The knife on his person, they showed him I would stand with a drug conviction. B consequences of the back of a paddy wagon. But the main impact I deal with on a a youthful drug conviction continue to That would have been it, too, if I day-to-day basis , and it’s why I’m not have profound and unfortunate impacts hadn’t felt the need to get lippy with prepared to provide my real name, is that on his life. the cops about living in a Police state. I’ve actually found myself in a really shitty Next thing you know I’m also situation where I’m forced to lie or I’ll lose So what were the circumstances that being searched. my job. led to your getting a drug conviction? Go ahead, you won’t find anything I got into sales because I’ve always liked on me, I’d said. That sounds complicated, tell me more. to talk – some would argue I never know One second later, the cop’s got a big Yeah, well, like I said, I’m in sales and when to shut up! And it’s funny, you grin on his face as he’s got a dope pipe have been for a really long time now. know, because that attribute has really I’d totally forgotten about from my top Anyway, my job, which I’ve had for over been beneficial to me in building my career pocket, and I’m joining my friend in the 15 years, involves regular travel to the – but it was also my big mouth that led to paddy wagon. me getting a drug conviction. United States. It was a Friday night in small town Were you worried about gaining Now, around the time I got the job, 80s New Zealand. I was 17, I’d left school a drug conviction? clean slate legislation was coming in, at 15 and basically gone to a party that, No, I wasn’t worried at all, in my drug and but clean slate doesn’t cover criminal two years later, I hadn’t really left. My only testosterone-saturated adolescent mind. declarations for US visas. real interests in life at that time were punk It was all just a naughty game, taking on I was asked at my interview if I had rock music and getting high with my mates. authority, rebellion, all that juvenile stuff. any convictions that would prevent me We’d been drinking vodka and I didn’t have any concept of growing up, from travelling to foreign countries, and popping Valium and, after a suitable I didn’t even rate my chances of making it I decided to lie because I really wanted period of preloading, had staggered to 20, so the idea of a drug conviction the job. down to the local teen venue to try our having an impact on my life just wasn’t there. It’s ironic, really, when you think about luck with the girls. I mean we were in the back of that what’s happened in the US in recent years, We were pretty messed up I guess, paddy wagon working ourselves into a that I’m stuck telling this lie because of a and a scowling bouncer announced in frenzy singing Black Flag songs while shitty dope pipe I’d forgotten about in my no uncertain terms that we were not head butting the walls. I remember the pocket all those years ago. But if I come getting in. sense of triumph I felt at the cops being clean, I’m admitting to gaining my job One of my friends took exception appalled by the blood-covered interior under false pretences, and my company is to this refusal – a knife materialised at the station. That screwed-up kind of really black and white about these things. and was waved around theatrically. thinking was where my head was at. So I live with the lie and the unease.

www.drugfoundation.org.nz 09 Cover Story

02/05 The cost of convicting young people

ur criminal justice – we reach the staggering figure of (24 percent) of this age group had used approach under $87 million. And that does not include cannabis in the past year. the Misuse of Drugs Police, court or probation costs. Youth convictions Act comes at a high Is this a good use of public funds? Encouragingly, trends have been very cost to all involved, Not only is this situation expensive, positive over the last five years, with even just in terms it causes social harms, particularly for convictions of young people for minor of wasted tax young people. Convictions and O dollars, but it is drug offences having dropped by two- imprisonment narrow opportunities, thirds from a peak of 3,010 in 2009 to 962 particularly younger people who bear the making it harder to get an education, brunt of these costs. in 2014. However, we still convicted an employment, credit and travel, and it average of 2,091 young people per year Ministry of Justice figures indicate that, exposes youth to a negative environment. from 2007–2014, 16,729 young people over 2007–2014. (GRAPH 1) This damages life chances at a time when between the ages of 17 and 25 were Ethnicity and gender are important factors young brains and identities are forming. convicted of the relatively minor offence in these convictions, with significantly of possession and/or use of an illicit drug Youth drug use rates more males and Mäori being convicted. or drug utensil. That’s approaching half Young males made up 86 percent of Young people higher drug use rate (40 percent) of all people convicted of convictions. (GRAPH 2) puts them in contact with the criminal those offences. Mäori young people are over-represented justice system. The last Ministry of Health About 10 percent of those young in these figures, making up 38 percent of New Zealand Alcohol and Drug Use people received prison sentences at an those convicted for minor drug offences Survey 2007/08 found prevalence of using average length of 65 days. Department of over 2007–2014. (GRAPH 3) any drugs in the past year peaked in the Corrections figures indicate the average Cannabis is overwhelmingly the cost per day of imprisonment over this 18–24 year age group. Over one-third of drug most young people are convicted period was around $250 – that’s $16,250 New Zealanders in this age group had for. Offences for cannabis and cannabis per young person. With 1,777 young used drugs in the past year (38.1 percent utensils possession/use made up people receiving prison sentences for of males, 29.8 percent of females). Of those 82 percent of minor convictions. this sort of possession and/or use, we aged 25–35, around a quarter used drugs, Methamphetamine or amphetamine reach a total imprisonment-only cost of dropping to just over a tenth of those offences account for 11 percent of around $29 million. aged 35–44. convictions, with all other drug/utensil If we consider the costs of all people Past-year cannabis use was also highest offences accounting for the remaining receiving prison sentences for these minor among youth (15–24 years) according to 7 percent. (GRAPH 4) drug offences over 2007–2014 – 5,039 the New Zealand Health Survey into There were also five young people people with an average sentence of 69 days Cannabis Use 2012/13. About one in four under 17 years of age sentenced to

10 matters of substance November 15 1. Number 3500 2. Number 3000 of those aged 3010 of those aged 3000 2500 17–25 years 2656 2710 17–25 years 2500 2449 convicted of 2052 convicted of 2000 possession and/ 2000 possession and/ 1682 1500 or use of an 1500 or use of an 1208 illicit drug or 962 illicit drug or 1000 drug utensil, 1000 drug utensil, 2007–2014 500 by gender, 500 0 2007–2014 0 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Male Female

3. Number 2000 4. Number of those aged of those aged 17–25 years 1500 17–25 years Cannabis convicted of convicted of Ecstasy LSD possession and/ possession and/ Methamphetamine/Amphetamines 1000 or use of an or use of an Other or unspecified drug Utensils possession illicit drug or illicit drug or Utensils for cannabis drug utensil, 500 drug utensil, Utensils for Meth/Amphetamines by ethnicity, by drug, Stimulants and depressants 2007–2014 0 2007–2014 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 European Ma-ori Pacific Other Unknown

imprisonment for possession and/or use *Average prison sentence imposed (days) on Age group of an illicit drug or drug utensil from people convicted of possession and/or use of an illicit drug, by drug type and class, 2007–2014 2007–2014. Their average sentence was Under 17 17–25 42 days. Numbers imprisoned 5 1,777 Class A Cocaine Prison sentences don’t relate Mean prison to drug class sentence (days) 42 65 60days Interesting anomalies emerge when Cost per person $10,500 $16,250 we look at average prison sentences given Class A Total cost $52,500 $28,876,250 for different drug types. These do not all Heroin align with what we might expect, given days the respective classes of these drugs 90 (i.e. A, B or C) under the Misuse of The costs of convictions Class A Drugs Act. 16,729: young people convicted for LSD BZP (Class C) and ecstasy (Class B) minor drug offences from 2007–2014. offences received the longest prison 93days sentences (as seen on the right). Cocaine, $29 million: spent imprisoning young heroin and LSD offences received shorter people 17–25 for minor drug offences Class A/B,C sentences, despite all being Class A drugs. from 2007–2014. Meth Factors other than drug classification and Class C $16,250: spent per person imprisoning days associated drug harm are obviously relevant Amphetamines 88 young people for minor drug offences in these decisions. from 2007–2014. Class B Imprisonment costs Ecstasy Imprisoning our young people is days expensive. With the average cost of 121 imprisoning someone over 2007–2014 Cannabis at $250 per day, we spent around SOURCE $3.6 million each year over 2007–2014 Ministry of Justice (2015). Response to Official imprisoning our young people. Information Act request. Ref. 54731. 50days

www.drugfoundation.org.nz 11 Cover Story

03/05 Unequal treatment before the law

elly van Gaalen However, there are many examples of of violent home invasions that would be is a stand-up where people have committed similar or better spent going after home invaders. New Zealander worse crimes and been given lesser And politicians insist there’s no need – a real good sort. sentences. See the sidebar for examples. for a law change despite the Law Commission Living up north Kelly wasn’t even granted bail, which and the Supreme Court finding the law in Kaikohe, she was is insane considering some people who are inconsistent with human rights. a member of the accused of committing violent crimes are. The Misuse of Drugs Act fails because K Community Board, it allows for prosecutorial and judicial The second problem is that the law chair of the Community Arts Council and presumes the accused is guilty until they caprice, and it robs people of their right to promotions manager for the Kaikohe can prove themselves innocent. Under the be presumed innocent until proven guilty. Business Association. She was active in the current system, if you are found with It is not compassionate, nor proportionate, community and led the town beautification more than 28 grams of cannabis in your nor innovative. It needs to be repealed projects. Last December, she won a Local and replaced. possession, the burden is on you to prove Heroes medal. you weren’t dealing. Right now, she’s in prison. This goes against a fundamental rule Ian Alfred Cole, from Westport, was convicted On the night of 14 July last year, Kelly of law that states that defendants are of cultivating and possessing cannabis for supply, and her three young children – aged 5, 7 presumed innocent until proven guilty. as well as possession of LSD, and was sentenced and 16 – were out, and only her husband to nine months’ home detention. He had over In 2007, the Supreme Court of Jasper was home. 10 times as much cannabis as Kelly had. New Zealand ruled that the presumption That was lucky, because that night, of supply is inconsistent with the Bill three men violently invaded their home. Johnathon Olander and Dionne Watkins, of Rights Act, and in 2011, the Law from Havelock, admitted seven charges Thankfully, Jasper was able to escape Commission recommended removing the including selling cannabis and BZP. They were and raise the alarm. offence of possession for supply altogether sentenced to six months’ home detention. But when Police arrived, it was Kelly and replacing it with a non-criminal who was arrested. Daniel and Hadas Surdri, from Ashburton, offence for simple possession. While looking for evidence, Police caught with 54 plants and more than The judge in Kelly’s case noted there officers came across a bucket of drying 6 kilograms of dried cannabis, pleaded guilty was no evidence of commercial dealing, to cultivating charges. They were discharged cannabis and two plants. but because she had 684 grams of cannabis, without conviction in return for a $2,000 Kelly took responsibility for it, was found the law presumed she was guilty of supply donation to the Salvation Army. guilty of possession of cannabis for supply unless she could prove otherwise. and was sentenced to two years in prison. Krystal Katipa, from New Plymouth, was Apart from the message that the She explained that she was a regular sentenced to seven months’ home detention Police’s actions sends to other cannabis user and had been since she was 14 years after she was found guilty of commercial supply users – don’t call the Police if you are old. She grew two cannabis plants, one that of cannabis and hash oil, which is a Class B the victim of a violent crime and have had grown particularly well, she said, and controlled substance. occasionally gifted cannabis to friends. cannabis in your possession or you’ll go Sheryl Kingi, from Tauranga, pleaded guilty to A spokesperson for the van Gaalen to jail – there are two major injustices in possessing cannabis for supply and was sentenced Kelly’s case. family said, “She was a victim of an to nine months’ home detention. She had 119 The first is that judges hand down exceptional gardening skill.” cannabis plants and 2.4 kilograms of cannabis. wildly varying and disproportionate And this is the situation the law puts sentences for drug offending. us in: violent offenders are given bail and Neil Arthur Phillips, from Kerikeri, was found guilty of selling cannabis to a Police officer In Kelly’s case, the judge said, “To say lenient sentences while local heroes and on numerous occasions over several months mums-of-three are sent to the clink for this sentencing has troubled me is an and was given 12 months’ home detention. understatement,” but that his hands were two years for a victimless crime. The judge cited the man’s closeness with his tied and he had to be consistent with Police spend time and resources sons as a reason he avoided jail. sentences imposed for similar offences. arresting and prosecuting the victims

12 matters of substance November 15 04/05 Show me the money!

hether we’re Vote: Corrections available on government drug enforcement treating drug issues costs. However, the figures below were in the health sector Funding $5,415,000 presented in the New Zealand Police’s or enforcing the Average cost per prison-based $5,154 New Zealand Drug Harm Index published Misuse of Drugs drug and alcohol treatment in 2008. Drugs covered by the index were Act in the law programme participant cannabis, opioids (opium, homebake, heroin, enforcement and Number of prisoners who 1,507 morphine), stimulants (cocaine, amphetamine, W justice sector, completed an alcohol and drug methamphetamine, ecstasy) and LSD. addressing drug-related harm isn’t cheap. programme (prison-based and The relative funding we allocate to health community) approaches like treating drug addiction Illicit drug enforcement costs 2005/06 ($ million) versus law enforcement approaches like Harm reduction Prisons 110.5 imprisonment affects our outcomes in (Needle Exchange Programme) reducing drug harm. Police 106.9 The weight of international preventive Drug harm reduction activity, designed to Criminal courts 40 reduce the harm occurring from drug use and drug harm reduction evidence Customs 24.7 demonstrates it’s more effective to tackle for those unable or unwilling to stop, is drug problems predominantly with a one of the most cost-effective ways to use Community sentences 20.9 public health, social support and strong funding. New Zealand’s Needle Exchange Total 303 regulatory approach than a criminal justice Programme (NEP) is an excellent example approach. Criminal justice approaches of this. The figures presented support the can actually make the problem worse A review of the effectiveness/efficiency generally accepted view that we spend by hampering access to treatment and of the New Zealand NEP between 1988 and considerably more on drug enforcement increasing health and social problems for 2001, also applying evidence from an than on drug treatment and harm reduction. people who use drugs. However, for many Australian review of needle exchange However, these figures are not comprehensive, years, it’s been widely acknowledged that programmes, reveals some impressive and the accuracy, particularly of the we put significantly more funding into harm reduction figures. our criminal justice-based enforcement enforcement figures from the 2008 Drug approach to drugs than our health and Harm Index, has been questioned. socially focused approach. Needle Exchange Programme (NEP) There is also Vote: Social Development While it’s not easy to get good data on NEP total current Vote: Health $4.75 million funding, through Child, Youth and Family funding and costs around these endeavours, funding (approx. per and Work and Income New Zealand, for we present some of the available figures annum) some treatment services for youth, families on below. Blood-borne infections/deaths HIV – 1,031 and individuals. These figures were not avoided between 1988 and 2001 cases/20 available at the time of printing. Further, Alcohol and other drug treatment deaths government funding for drug and alcohol services (2012/13 financial year) Hepatitis C prevention activity has not been included. – 1,454 cases Vote: Health We should therefore be cautious about conclusions around overall government Funding $116,236,789 Total net benefit of lifetime hepatitis C spending on approaches to drug and Funding for young people under $15 million and HIV treatment savings from infections alcohol problems. Certainly, there is a need 19 years (approx.) prevented between 1998 and 2001 was for better and more easily available funding Number of people treated 46,641 estimated at $202 million. data across our various approaches. This Average cost per person treated $2,492 Enforcement costs would allow us to better determine what Full-time equivalent workforce 1,452 There is a particular lack of current, funding is going where and assess relative positions funded accurate and comprehensive information effectiveness at reducing harm.

www.drugfoundation.org.nz 13 Cover Story

05/05 Stigma really hurts

ong after someone reluctant to dispense clean needles. She case on the streets. She also points to a has given up and friends went to many lengths to get pervasive moral view about drug use. using drugs, the around this, but it didn’t always work out. “There’s this sort of punishment thread associated stigma “The hassle of it all was quite that goes along with it. ‘Well, if you’re can linger. One prohibitive, so I hate to say it, but a lot going to play with fire, then it’s your fault person who knows of the time we did reuse needles.” if you get burnt’ and ‘If you overdose, about this is It’s when a crisis happens that the true that’ll bloody learn you for playing with L Wellington Drugs attitudes shine through. Sadly, Kerrisk drugs!’ Well it won’t, because you’ll be Project board member Kate Kerrisk. says, people will often not tell the 111 dead. There’s no lessons learned when In recent times, Kate has actively operator it is in fact an overdose or may your dead.” advocated for the rights of people who leave the scene before the arrival of Kerrisk says it is important to remember use the Wellington Drugs Project’s services. medics, and possibly the Police, for fear people can be at an age when they are She once had her own time using, but of being implicated. This impacts on the experimenting or maybe have a lot of life that’s something she moved on from over care many will receive. problems or are depressed and hurting so a decade ago. “This is the way it most often goes they’re self-medicating. A voice from She’d tell you there are many ways with an overdose. You’re too scared to go people from the drug-using community is stigma rears its ugly head. It’s much more through the official channels. So instead, vital, but for many good reasons, it’s rare than confronting harsh attitudes but can it’s pinching, poking, burning, throwing for people to step forward. amount to real discrimination – and she’s “Lots of people who have moved on experienced this more than once. water on them – you slap them about. from drug use buzz off and do some other “If you’re known to be a drug user, And if you’re lucky, they come round.” they [health professionals] won’t take your The lack of availability of the overdose career, and it’s a big skeleton in their concerns seriously. If you’re saying you’ve reversal drug naloxone is something closet. They go off and do what they do, got really chronic pain or you can’t sleep, Kerrisk sees as indicative of prejudiced but they’re not into speaking about their it’s just seen as drug-seeking behaviour, attitudes. Access to many other life-saving past. They think, if people know about you don’t get seen properly. They’ll write drugs is fast-tracked, but naloxone is hard this, they’ll be judged. it off and say just go on your merry way,” to get despite clear benefits. Bringing about change is not something Kerrisk explains. “I’ve almost never heard of anyone go that will happen overnight, but Kerrisk is On one occasion, Kerrisk wasn’t given to their GP to ask for naloxone. I know of determined to get stuck in to ensure people pain relief for a medical condition. one guy who tried, and eventually got it, are treated fairly. The current law is “The doctor had got this idea that you but he still got the run around.” something she sees as getting in the way. weren’t trustworthy and you wouldn’t use This exasperates Kerrisk. She says that, “If they started to make the law change, the medicine as you were supposed to,” while GPs are allowed to prescribe the it will go a long way to changing the she says. drug, it mostly doesn’t happen. She says societal view of it. Legislation will filter In a situation fairly common in smaller policy makers and MPs may think all the way down to reducing stigma and towns, Kerrisk said pharmacists were everything is in place, but this is not the discrimination,” she argues.

14 matters of substance November 15 State of personal use around the globe

Personal use of one or more drugs is Croatia treated as an administrative, health or Czech Republic – legal for personal use De-facto, partial decriminalisation non-criminal matter in many countries. Ecuador Dealing or trafficking drugs receives Estonia Canada stiff sanctions everywhere. Germany Italy Jamaica – most recent to change Cannabis legalised Lithuania USA – 4 states legal, 6 states due One or more drugs decriminalised Mexico to vote in 2016 Armenia Netherlands Uruguay Australia – decriminalised SA, ACT, NT Paraguay Austria Peru Belgium Portugal Drug law reform actively debated Bolivia Slovenia Ireland Brazil South Africa Cambodia Spain Norway Chile Switzerland New Zealand Colombia Ukraine Costa Rica Venezuela Based on material prepared by Release and the Transnational Institute.

www.drugfoundation.org.nz 15 Cover Story 40 years of drug law

MoDA receives royal assent from Sir Dennis Odyssey House begins Needle exchanges Care NZ begins working Blundell on 10 October. offering services in become legal with with the Corrections Auckland to help introduction of Health Department to offer New Zealanders (Needles and Syringes) drug treatment units overcome alcohol, Regulations 1987. in prisons. drug and gambling addiction problems.

The first National Drug Policy is posted out. It remains in place until 2003.

By the numbers: Parliament’s Health A national survey suggests Committee conducts NZ has 600,000 regular an inquiry into the cannabis users (of a total mental health effects population of 3.1 million). of cannabis.

Dope smoking and By the numbers: anarchism feature 43% NZers have ever prominently as classic tried cannabis, 14.6% kiwi film Goodbye Pork have used cannabis Pie airs at cinemas. in the last year and 8% have tried one hallucinogenic drug.

Disgruntled pot Terence John Clark New Zealand Green: Aucklander Ngaire smokers stage a is convicted of The Story of Marijuana O’Neill dies after taking smoke-in at the Mr Asia’s murder. in New Zealand is ecstasy. Months later, Nambassa published by author MDMA is reclassified as Festival in Redmer Yska. a Class B drug. Nga¯ruawa¯hia.

NZ’s first national Lorraine Cohen is NZ Drug Foundation Methadone arrested in is founded. Conference is held Malaysia for heroin in Palmerston trafficking. Her North. death sentence is commuted to life imprisonment.

1975 78 79 80 81 85 87 89 90 97 98 99

16 matters of substance November 15 A new Expert Members of the Responding to fears After three years, The much heralded, A revised National Advisory Committee Health Select of rampant P use, hundreds of world-changing Drug Policy based on Drugs Committee Prime Minister John submissions Psychoactive on compassion and is established to delve into the public Key launches the and much Substances Act health is launched evaluate substances health strategies Methamphetamine deliberation, the comes into law: at Parliament. and recommend related to cannabis Plan. Law Commission 119 MPs for, classifications. use and the most review of MoDA one against. appropriate legal is released. status. Silence. The ground is put back together again as an urgent amendment of the Psychoactive Fantasy (GHB) is After first becoming Substances Act heads added to widely available in back to Parliament: 107 Schedule B. 2000, BZP is added as MPs for, 14 abstained. a Class C drug. A year later, ketamine is also added as a Class C drug.

By the numbers: Psychoactive substances 42% NZers have can only be obtained ever used cannabis, unlabelled, from dealers 14% have used on the black market. cannabis in the last year.

Almost overnight the number of outlets for psychoactive 42% substances drops to just over 150 from around 4,000, and just 41 products remain on shelves (down from 150).

BERL says the total Judges Tremewan and Teenager cost of harmful drug Aitken commence Alex Renton is use each year is sittings of a five-year prescribed Elixinol $6,524,600,000. Alcohol and Other Drug in an attempt by The figure is based Treatment Court pilot. doctors to treat on 2005 figures and repeated seizures includes direct and after all other indirect costs. avenues fail. Rugby celebrity Marc Ellis is convicted for possession of a Class B GW Pharmaceuticals drug. He infamously is given approval to asked for something distributecannabis “smooth on the extracts in New Zealand come-down” like the as a branded drug, ones he had “the Sativex. other night”.

00 01 03 05 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 2015

www.drugfoundation.org.nz 17 feature Māori MPs reconsider drug law

A succession of reports show Ma¯ori are affected significantly more than Pa¯keha¯ by our drug laws. Reducing harm caused by the laws themselves seems something the government is now willing to address, but there remain widely varying views on what must actually be done in terms of policy. Russell Brown looks into the issue and presents the views of four Ma¯ori MPs. RUSSELL BROWN

he laws we make but they came only three weeks after a twice as likely as non-Mäori to suffer legal need to be district court judge declared himself problems as a result of using cannabis. reasonable, and it “troubled” at having to jail Kaikohe A 2003 study found that, on the basis of is crucial that our woman Kelly van Gaalen for two years. equivalent usage, Mäori experienced Police enforcement Van Gaalen had been convicted of arrest for cannabis use at three times the response is possession of cannabis for supply, rate of non-Mäori. proportionate,” although she said she had grown only Visiting US defence lawyer and former T declared Associate two plants, and the judge accepted that judge William H Murphy Jr (also speaking Health Minister Peter Dunne when he she had not sold any. Her family lost a in August) compared the Mäori experience launched the new National Drug Policy mother and Kaikohe lost a prominent and with that of black Americans as “the in August. active figure in its arts and business life. product of colonialism and its aftermath” “We want to make sure that drug use is Although van Gaalen is not Mäori, and lamented the “so-called war on drugs deterred, where possible, but also that the two-thirds of Kaikohe’s population claims [that] has resulted in a war on people of laws are actually working for individuals, Mäori descent, and the controversial colour with drugs and white people communities and society. We are trying to sentence threw the spotlight on the impact basically left alone.” minimise harm, not create more.” of drug laws in small, predominantly And yet there are many prominent The Minister’s words – the most Mäori, regional towns. Mäori voices who reject Murphy’s call explicit government acknowledgement yet Wherever they live, Mäori are more for drug legalisation or even law reform. that the harms from illicit drugs include likely to fall foul of drug law. The 2012– “I worry though that, while reform will the harm caused by the laws against them 2013 New Zealand Health Survey into work for the middle class, it will be the – would have been notable in any month, cannabis use found Mäori were nearly poor who will feel the strongest impact,”

18 matters of substance November 15 Photo credit: Alan Gibson APN

Reverend Hirini Kaa said. “We need our answer. If you look at the Youth Court, decriminalise, but it changes the way we communities to be alcohol, violence and Family Law, their first port of call for youth enforce the law. drug free.” offending is diversion. So by law, that’s the “I know so many people who want to Kaa and others point to data indicating first thing. Do something else, keep them get off marijuana and who never thought it that the burden of substance use disorders out of court. was addictive because they could go weeks falls twice as heavily on Mäori as the “I’m not interested in decriminalising without it – but now can’t go two weeks general population (see sidebar). They fear marijuana. I’m more interested in a without it. They hit the wall, they start that any loosening would only make restructure of the law, so it’s still a nutting off at the whänau. And it’s easier cannabis and other drugs more available. criminal behaviour, but the response just to stay in this kind of numb state for … Others insist that the unequal impact of is different. Punitive responses what, the rest of their lives? These guys legal consequences simply exacerbates haven’t worked. have been smoking now for 30 years, and the public health problem. they don’t know how to get off. But if both forms of harm fall “These were parents who’d tried to disproportionately on Mäori, what do We need our communities get off and couldn’t, who said they didn’t Mäori legislators think? Matters of to be alcohol, violence and know what it was like not to be stoned any Substance interviewed Mäori MPs from drug free. more. I think it’s soul destroying for Mäori the National, Labour, Green and Mäori communities. It’s breaking up our natural Parties. We found substantial agreement inclination towards whanaungatanga and on some questions and contrasting views REVEREND HIRINI KAA happiness towards each other. on others. “I used to do drug education at high “I think there should be a law and school, and when we found kids smoking Marama Fox, Mäori Party that the law should be focused on dope, it wasn’t immediate suspension or “We’ve been calling for a review of the diversion and health pathways, depending expulsion. The first response was a health justice system – the whole system – for on the crime. If you’re dealing, well that’s response. We brought in the experts, we some time, and it seems to fall on deaf ears a different issue – you’re making money told them about the effects of drugs and with the government. The government off this stuff, you’re trying to get people alcohol on the brain, we told them ‘This is doesn’t seem to think there is institutional addicted so you can get more money. If it’s what you’re doing – if you choose to go racism. Research after research has shown possession or use, instead of just ignoring down that path, be aware of what you’re it, but the government won’t participate in it, the law should be directed to have those walking into and treat it that way’.” that discussion. If they could just listen to people referred to their hauora provider, the experts, that would be great, but that their health provider, for drug education. Kelvin Davis, Labour Party hasn’t worked in the past. Not just doing PD down the road and “Does politics get in the way of good “I liked Minister Dunne’s response, saying ‘You naughty boy, come and dig policy? Absolutely. Because when we say and I do think that that’s partially the some drains for a day’. That doesn’t these people have a health issue, they’re

www.drugfoundation.org.nz 19 feature

Kelvin Davis, Labour Party Metiria Turei, Green Party co-leader

A 2003 study found that, on the basis of equivalent usage, Mäori experienced Police arrest for cannabis use at three times the rate of non-Mäori.

not necessarily criminals. Society says fundamentally unjust system. If a person ‘What? You want to go easy on drug Wherever they live, is depressed or has become obsessed with users?’, so politicians are always wary of Mäori are more likely drugs, they need help through a legal raising these sorts of issues. framework that means they can get it easily “I’d like to see people, instead of being to fall foul of drug law. and quickly. And the single most effective locked up or whatever for drug use, just to way of delivering that help is where there be fined, like a parking ticket. The guy’s are no legal consequences for that person getting punished, because the community or anyone’s drug use. It’s just not true to wants to see punishment. It’ll be a assume all white middle class people can deterrent. To my mind, that would be a “If my grandfather’s growing a couple handle drugs and Mäori can’t.” much better system than having many of plants out the back, then it just makes it [Professor Mason Durie was part of young Mäori arrested each weekend, easier for my kids to access it and use the the principal investigative team of Te Rau clogging up the courts on Monday morning excuse that it was Grandad’s marijuana. Hinengaro: The New Zealand Mental Health Survey, along with a dedicated and getting criminal records. “And people might look at the fact that Mäori research team and a nine-strong “Mäori who get arrested for drug use I voted against that and say I’m one of Kaitiaki group.] are treated as criminals rather than people these conservative anti-drug types. It’s not “What needs to change? The law. who need assistance with an addiction. actually the case. We want to make support Plain and simple, cannabis prohibition The criminal justice system does prevent for drug users more accessible, not the is dangerous. It creates a culture of fear Mäori getting help. Even if they have to be drugs themselves.” and mistrust, facilitates poor relationships locked up, they should be in some sort of with legal and medical professionals and facility to get help with their addiction. Metiria Turei, Green Party co-leader is deliberately used by law enforcement Prison is just not the right place for most “I would first dispute one of the facts to target Mäori, leading to unjust people. They’re horrible places that really that you list – that Mäori men have twice conviction and imprisonment, splitting do nothing for people. the use rate of Päkehä men and are more up of families, the confiscation of property likely to suffer ‘substance misuse disorder’. “The Kelly van Gaalen case probably and family poverty. Cannabis prohibition There have been numerous reports that has created more harm, especially for that cannot be justified under any public family. It hasn’t minimised harm. I don’t show that, just as in the legal system, policy principle. think it’s going to change her attitude Mäori are more likely to be targeted and “The evidence that shows how Mäori towards marijuana at all. It’s an example negatively labelled by health professionals are treated in the criminal legal system of the law being an ass. than Päkehä. These racist filters operate in proves it – at every point, Mäori are treated “When I was first in Parliament, the almost every aspect of Mäori engagement worse. There are stacks of reports on this. Greens had some medicinal marijuana with public services, including the media, I raised it during that ridiculous Drivers Bill, and from memory, there were two and I am always extremely suspicious of of Crime seminar that Pita Sharples and parts to it. One was to extract the active such statements. This is important if the Simon Power held in 2009. Sharples’ only ingredients and whack it in a pill – and assumption of greater harm to Mäori from response was to support Mäori running the I was in favour of that. But the other part cannabis use is perpetuated in your article. private prisons, which even now just was letting people grow marijuana for I don’t agree with that assumption at all. makes me want to weep. personal use, and I thought, uh, that just “It is this kind of rationalisation “It is wrong to assume that every makes it more accessible. that perpetuates a biased, racist and cannabis user has a health issue that

20 matters of substance November 15 Dr Shane Reti, National Party Marama Fox, Ma¯ori Party

requires some intervention. That is In terms of medicinal use, such as for pain patently untrue when looking at the extent relief, there are already pharmaceutical The numbers of use in New Zealand. But where anyone forms of cannabis that provide measured According to Te Rau Hinengaro: The requires help, Mäori included, the illegal doses and quality control. New Zealand Mental Health Survey 2006, status of the drug is the primary reason “Mäori are over-represented in our nearly a third of Ma¯ori will experience a people don’t seek that help. justice system. This over-representation substance use disorder in their lives. Even “The Misuse of Drugs Act needs to be is well known by those working in the after adjusting for socio-economic factors, repealed and entirely rewritten according justice system and is the focus of the burden of these disorders on the Ma¯ori population is twice the national average to scientific, evidence-based approaches considerable efforts across the sector – – this is true of no other ethnic group. to harm reduction and respect for human from Rangatahi Courts for young Mäori The drug that caused the most harm, by far, rights as well as health. The new Act offenders to iwi justice panels. While should also include tobacco and alcohol. was alcohol – a quarter of Ma¯ori subjects in these efforts are showing results across the survey had experienced an alcohol The Proceeds of Crime Act should be all offending, everyone acknowledges disorder at the time of being interviewed, but reviewed. Should this not occur, another we need to do more to reduce Mäori nearly 15 percent had experienced a drug option is to use an evidence-based over-representation in the justice system. disorder, mainly involving cannabis. Ma¯ori assessment to reclassify the drugs and I do not think we need a Commission of men and rangatahi were at even greater risk. use Class D more effectively. And then Inquiry into this. The 2012–2013 New Zealand Health Survey third, allowing all MDA-classed drugs “Under the National-led government, into cannabis use found that Ma¯ori men and to be assessed through the psychoactive drug and alcohol treatment for prisoners’ women were more than twice as likely to use substances legislation. My understanding cannabis as non-Ma¯ori, Ma¯ori cannabis users addictions, and education achievement is that the law currently prohibits were 50 percent more likely to report weekly in prison, have increased hugely. We’re that course. use than non-Ma¯ori users and “Ma¯ori adults talking almost 1,500 percent more drug “I agree [with Peter Dunne]. As with and adults living in the most deprived areas previous ministers of this portfolio, they and alcohol rehabilitation since 2008. were more likely to report using cannabis in do eventually come round although, so far, Recent results show this is working, the last 12 months”. clearly too late. There is still a critical as fewer prisoners are returning positive The same study found Ma¯ori were twice as question of why any ‘enforcement’ is drug tests. likely to experience problems with work or study as a result of cannabis use, 25 percent required at all for personal use of drugs. “The National Drug Policy provides more likely to experienced related mental Also, I would want to see a better a more holistic approach to help the health problems and nearly twice as likely government respond more appropriately articulated, more principled stance as to experience legal problems. to the public policy for the deterrence to the problems drugs pose. It lays out The earlier New Zealand Alcohol and Drug of drug use that includes alcohol and the government’s approach to minimising Use Survey 2007–2008 found Ma¯ori were harm from alcohol and other drugs for tobacco in the assessment. ‘Drugs are significantly more likely to have used bad, kids, OK?’ is not a coherent public the next five years. The new policy methamphetamine in the past year than policy position.” places more emphasis on the need to non-Ma¯ori. It also found Ma¯ori were promote and protect health and “significantly more likely to have wanted Dr Shane Reti, National Party improve collaboration.” help to reduce their level of drug use in their “I do not think there are any benefits lifetime but not received it, compared with for decriminalising or legalising cannabis, Russell Brown blogs at publicaddress.net people in the total population”. for medicinal purposes or otherwise.

www.drugfoundation.org.nz 21 feature Whole School Series N0.3 Longer course on alcohol and other drugs

Teaching high school students about drugs and alcohol before they are of legal age is having a positive effect on students at Taieri College. In the third of the Whole School series, Beck Eleven reports on teaching and wider school culture. BECK ELEVEN

aieri College in She’s that sort of enthusiastic, open person Mosgiel, just south students are drawn to – or it could be the They have got to know of Dunedin, has little bowl of fruit she keeps outside her this information so they a roll of around office for students. 1,000 students. Taieri College, a co-ed, has been don’t inadvertently make That number is offering health as a subject for almost choices that compromise increasing slowly 15 years, but a couple of years ago, they their futures. T as new subdivisions made a few adjustments to the curriculum. pop up in the area. It’s a decile 7 school Leonard threw herself into the most – like a mini polytechnic with a vast range DIANA LEONARD recent groundswell of research on drug of senior level subjects such as textiles, primary industry training and hospitality and alcohol education. to complement the standard English, “Too early, and it can be ineffective at science and maths. best, or it can lead to unwanted behaviours Diana Leonard is the teacher in charge through curiosity at worst,” she says. of senior health education (and one of So the school’s health programme was the school’s guidance counsellors). adjusted, and the drug and alcohol

22 matters of substance November 15 Photo credit: Tairei College

component is introduced in year 10 when “So we concentrate on harms the children are aged 14 or 15. associated with these substances and The students learn to “It’s better when it’s a more relevant age, providing strategies for enhancing deconstruct messages when they’re just on the cusp of partying.” decision making around them. around sexuality and At NCEA levels 1, 2 and 3, alongside “At level 2, we thread in sexuality, the academic nuts and bolts of substances gender and body image. confidence through the of concern, the programme promotes “Alcohol is by far and away the most seduction of advertising. healthy relationships and safety as well available of all the substances, so we look as information about the physical, specifically at societal issues around mental, emotional and spiritual effects alcohol harm like domestic violence, on wellbeing. alcohol-related violence and vandalism.” She asks the students to think about the “We look at alcohol and drugs And with the University of Otago ripples in the pond, not just what excessive separately, and we look at the law. just over the hill, there are plenty of consumption can do at a personal level. They have got to know this information real-life examples nearby to use as “So how it could impact their families so they don’t inadvertently make choices in-class discussion. if they have to front up in court. The shame that compromise their futures. “It can look like a war zone after and humiliation it causes their parents. “We don’t use shock tactics – that “For instance, having a criminal record doesn’t work – but they need to understand the Hyde St keg party or the Undie 500. It makes their study relevant because it’s for cannabis might impact their travelling the consequences of their decisions around because many countries won’t accept them within their community. drugs and alcohol.” in the future, so it becomes a much more “We look at the damage and cost to The students learn about alcohol, far-reaching perspective.” society as well as emergency department tobacco, cannabis and methamphetamine. Marketing also come under the spotlight. “Some of those are not highly visible admissions over the weekends when The students learn to deconstruct messages in the community, but what was highly people have been drinking excessively. around sexuality and confidence through visible before the law change was synthetic Then there is the pressure on emergency the seduction of advertising. cannabis. We had five dairies in our small staff and our health funding resources. “Then they can see how a lot of these community selling it. I had no idea. So we give everything a wider context.” images make them feel inferior because

www.drugfoundation.org.nz 23 feature

Photo credit: Tairei College

they pose big glamorous images, and “It can be quite profound because it just they think ‘If I drink that brand, I will be goes viral.” Parents know each other, like that’.” At level 3, the students step up to Social media is another avenue to use determinants of health such as government they phone each other, and in class discussion, because while there policy or council bylaws and the that’s how you keep your are government regulations on alcohol economics of health. kids safe. and tobacco advertising, there is no “So, for instance, something like safety net around what is being shared changes to the legal age of purchase. on social media. There is a lot of money in advertising, Everybody had to bring a note if they were “They really need to think for so that has an effect on political decisions drinking, and I had a specified limit that no themselves, so if they are drinking an because of the revenue government can one was allowed to go over. 8 percent RTD, they need to know that get through taxation. “She said, ‘Mum, you are so lame’.” is twice as much as a 4 percent one.” “I say to my level 3 kids, ‘In this Leonard tells her students these types They learn science around the body subject, you’re going to learn how to of personal stories, and they laugh and and alcohol, what the liver can break down change the world,’ and at the end of the nod, but she believes that the more parents per hour, what the drink-driving laws are. year, I can say, ‘Now go and do it’. buy in to these types of agreements, the “They leave here well informed “It opens up their whole horizons.” more it will seem normalised. about the effects of these things on their As a mother, Leonard uses her family She believes change has come rapidly physical wellbeing.” as an example. to the community. —— “My son wanted to have a few friends “In a small place like Mosgiel, parents If you’re a long time out of the school over to watch the rugby and have a few know each other, they phone each other, system, you might wonder what spiritual drinks, and I said that’s fine if they bring a and that’s how you keep your kids safe. wellbeing is if it’s not religious education. note from their parents, because they’re “I tell the kids your parents’ worst In the health sciences, it touches on here to watch the rugby not here to get nightmare is the Police coming to tell them potential reputation damage. Consent drunk or wasted. He agreed. you are not coming home. I say to my is also part of the discussion, with “Two years ago, my daughter had her children, ‘I love you and I want to keep someone from Rape Crisis visiting the 16th birthday. She wanted an epic party at you safe, and you cannot argue with me class each year. home, so I set a limit on the number of when my bottom line is safety’. It’s a shift “We haven’t seen it so much this year, people, we made plenty of food and got from ‘You’re telling me what to do’ because but I remember a few years ago, we’d have lots of music going so the focus was on it’s about aroha and safety.” poor kids coming into our offices saying dancing not drinking. —— ‘Everybody is talking about me’ and feeling “Her dad and two older brothers were The class is predominantly female, so shamed out over a poor choice they’d security, and I told her it wasn’t going on and two of the year 13 students pop by made under the influence that weekend. Facebook so we didn’t have gate crashers. to explain what they have learned.

24 matters of substance November 15 Courtney Rackley is 17. She feels as QUOTES OF SUBSTANCE though the course applies to her life and The way the school treats what she sees outside the classroom. Despite many of her fellow students alcohol puts the students in starting to party, she has made the decision a better position to make to remain alcohol free for at least the rest judgements when they are of the year. out of school hours. “At this time, I am more focused on school,” she says. “I don’t see myself as different because DAVE HUNTER, SCHOOL PRINCIPAL I have plenty of friends who don’t drink, but I have seen some of the results of other people after the weekends, and I don’t We must consider want a part of that. It puts me off. alternatives to criminalisation “Everyone has smartphones, so you and incarceration of don’t get away with anything. People even people who use drugs.” capture the smallest little thing, and it which is pretty important with the challenges makes it seem like such a big deal. UN head Ban-Ki Moon channels they face going through adolescence.” his inner reformer ahead of next “I don’t see myself going into health Hunter says that, after being a teen year’s UNGASS. right now, but I really like hospitality, himself and now 18 years in the education so talking about the laws around alcohol game, he knows adolescence has always is good. I like it because it’s relevant. had its challenges. I would totally recommend it.” “I don’t think we’ve done ourselves any Her friend Tyler Bezett is 18 and able favours, making adolescence more complex I think fundamentally they’ve to purchase her own alcohol now. than it needs to be. Kids come unstuck and She says she probably started drinking broken rule number one, which they always have, but we’ve given them is don’t be a dick. around the age of 16 or 17. more reason to with permissive parenting “You learn about the consequences and and technology. Drug Foundation Executive Director stuff,” she says. “We know they might have 2,000 Ross Bell is not impressed by an “I don’t go out that often, but I do go to friends on Facebook and they get a few energy drink being sold under the friends’ birthdays and parties. ideas fuelled by reality TV, but the flip side name Cannabis. “Most of the parties I go to have a small of that is notoriety. amount of people. We’re not drinking heaps. “There was always an unspoken We get to talking, and then we sort of assumption that certain things were more forget, so it’s something we do on the side. a parent’s role, but things have moved on. “I’m 18 now, so I can buy my own, but Now, schools are entrusted with alcohol, I found myself a blue lady/ when I was 17, my parents would let me drugs and sex, and we want our kids to to help me through the night. have one drink. From there, they would be able to be safe stepping into that big give me my own, say no more than four, wide world.” The late, great Graham Brazier wrote and I would take care of those on my own.” Leonard looks back at what she has Hello Sailor’s hit song Blue Lady about She explains the strict rules around taught the students who have filed through a special kind of hypodermic syringe alcohol for their school ball. her classroom. popular with injecting drug users. Students could choose four RTDs or six “I would love to see health education beers. Drinking students must bring notes, made compulsory at all schools at senior and the alcohol must arrive that afternoon level. It’s just one strategy of minimising with a parental signature. harms. Every community is different, and They were issued with a wristband, we live in one where the kids might still be People are out there and an adult dished out each drink. If a reasonably naïve for their age. Of course, campaigning for all sorts supervisor thought someone had drunk there are other communities where other of things and ignoring the enough, the wristband was removed. substances are of higher visibility, but it’s fact there’s currently a No more drinks. perfectly reasonable for other schools to procedure in place. —— tailor their programme as long as it works Health Minister Peter Dunne School principal Dave Hunter says the in the curriculum. health programme and the way the school “I really believe my students take a weighs in on the public clamour treats alcohol puts the students in a better mature outlook while they are in class. for medical cannabis. position to make judgements when they are That’s all you can hope for really – out of school hours. that this approach in class transfers to “I mean, of course it is curriculum the outside.” linked, but it’s important stuff for their lives too. It’s not about preaching to them. Beck Eleven is a freelance writer and columnist “Having someone like Diana on board based in Christchurch. is brilliant. She gains the trust of the kids,

www.drugfoundation.org.nz 25 feature

Early days for UNGASS 2016 declaration

Preparations are well under way for Civil Society Taskforce possession or drug trafficking and is a violation of the right to life. next April’s UN General Assembly Responses based on a survey filled in by Special Session on the World Drug civil society organisations between April Informal coalition of Mexican NGOs and July 2015. The preliminary report Problem, the outcome of which will Reaffirm that drug use should be treated summarises data (where available) only be a “short, substantive, concise and as a public health issue, not one related to from the English, Chinese, Vietnamese, criminal justice. Drug use should be treated action-oriented outcome document Portuguese, Italian, Persian, Turkish and as an issue of access to information, harm comprising a set of operational some Spanish surveys, as translations reduction and public health, meaning from Arabic, French, Russian and some recommendations”. using drugs should not make people Spanish were not yet available. subject to punishments such as criminal The discussion is currently focused on Harm reduction services should be sanctions, Police extortion, arbitrary what the outcome document should widely available and freely accessible arrests, harassment and imprisonment say. Various nations, regional bodies to all people who use drugs. or other forms of repression. It is crucial that substance dependence and members of civil society have Ensure that policies and health treatment is grounded in evidence and is submitted their proposals for what they programmes on drugs are not limited to culturally appropriate. Such treatment prevention and treatment and ensure would like to see in the “zero draft”. should be accessible, affordable or free public policies prioritise harm reduction for those who seek it. On these pages, you can read excerpts perspective in all health programmes. Governments and UN agencies should Recognise harm reduction strategies as from some of the submissions for the continue efforts to ensure that the right a set of evidence-based and respectful of outcomes document. It is clear that of all people to health care is recognised human rights interventions and rely on drug policy is still highly controversial, and that all efforts are directed at ensuring the examples of good practices set by that discrimination against people who use and achieving consensus at UNGASS other countries such as Portugal. drugs does not prevent the fulfilment of will be a difficult task. this fundamental human right. Iran Members of civil society have Encourage the consideration of alternatives China expressed concern for the disparities in to incarceration and other criminal justice The preamble of the outcome document arrest and sentencing for drug charges, as reform for minor non-violent drug-related should firmly oppose legalisation of drugs well as the proportionality of punishment offences with a view to deterring crime, in any form. for drug offences. achieving the rehabilitation and Calls upon member states to promote Civil society organisations around reintegration into society of drug users, the prevention of drug use through the world feel that the death penalty advancing the wellbeing of individuals and educational programmes targeted and is an extreme punishment that is communities and reducing overcrowding involving children and youth. disproportionate to the harms of drug in prisons.

26 matters of substance November 15 The outcome document of the special the community. Failure to deal effectively death penalty should only be used for the session should be based on regional with the drug problem undermines society, “most serious crimes”. perspectives on and approaches to in terms of stability and development, and United States addressing the world drug problem with also presents a threat to national security respect for the cultural, religious and and the rule of law. Drug abuse affects Declare that people who use drugs should regional sensitivities of each region. not just the abuser but also his family receive support, treatment and protection, and the community. rather than be punished. Recognise Japan substance use disorders as a medical Acknowledges with deep concern the links Switzerland condition that can be prevented, treated that in some cases exist between illicit Call upon Member States to consider and from which one can recover. financial flows linked to drug trafficking alternatives to criminalisation and Encourage the consideration of and the financing of terrorism. incarceration of people who use drugs alternatives to incarceration and other Portugal and to focus criminal justice efforts on criminal justice reform for drug-related drug traffickers, particularly on the most offences with a view to deterring crime, Prioritise reinforcing the human rights and disruptive and violent. achieving the rehabilitation and public health dimensions of national and reintegration into society of drug users, global drug policies. United Kingdom advancing the wellbeing of individuals The request for States to consider Measures such as opioid substitution and communities and reducing appropriate alternatives to incarceration treatment, clean needle exchange, overcrowding in prisons. and coercive sanctions for drug-related distributing foil to injecting drug users offences of a minor, non-violent nature. (which facilities the smoking of drugs Uruguay Russia to reduce injecting), and distributing Uruguay declares that, in reference to naloxone to counter opioid overdoses The main goal as we see it is to cannabis and based on the available considerably reduce the production and protect individuals from many risks evidence, the most appropriate measure consumption of illicit opiates, cocaine, associated with drug use. These tools to protect public health and prevent cannabis, as well as synthetic drugs and should be used as part of structured cannabis in its various presentations NPS with a view of a longstanding efforts to get individuals into treatment from being smuggled is the regulation perspective of a society free of drugs. and towards recovery. and control of the market. The UK believes that the death Singapore penalty is wrong in all circumstances SOURCE Reaffirm our commitment to promote and and should be opposed as a matter of International Drug Policy Consortium collection of build a drug-free society. A drug-free principle. In the particular context of drug contributions from member states, regional bodies society strongly rejects the scourge of offences, capital punishment contravenes and civil society on the ‘zero draft’ nzdrug.org/ drugs and does not condone its abuse in UN safeguards, which stipulate that the ungass16-early-ideas

www.drugfoundation.org.nz 27 About a drug

28 matters of substance November 15 We may not have heard much about it before, but powdered alcohol (just add water) is nothing new. It was first produced as a food additive by Sato Food Industries in Japan in the late 60s. There have been several efforts to introduce its sale in the US as an instant beverage, and all have failed to date, though it can currently be purchased in both Germany and Holland.

owdered alcohol is so presumably the taste and texture issues surreptitiously stirring untold quantities easy to make, and hampering the success of previous of powder into their rum and coke while there are lots of products have been overcome. they visit the restroom. People who want how-to videos on the However, much of the potential market to spike drinks will probably stick to internet. Simply stir is already disappearing. Sales of powdered Rohypnol or the more common alcohol. alcohol and alcohol had already been banned in 25 US We’re also not so convinced by the P maltodextrin in a states by August, and more are likely to portability argument. It’s certainly easier large mixing bowl follow. It has also been banned in the to smuggle, but then you still have the until you have a powder that can be Australian state of Victoria (in reaction to problem of reconstituting it at the other reconstituted later and imbibed. Reports Palcohol and despite its unavailability). end. Kids could sneakily add it to the food vary, but generally the mixing ratio is 1:1 they’re eating at camp, but again, they’d – and the strength at which you need a large and obvious amount each reconstitute is entirely up to you. When and if powdered time. Sure, they’d try it, but we can’t see In its unremixed form, the powder is alcohol makes it to market it catching on. white (the colour of maltodextrin), though We also think Phillips’ assertion that marketed products will have food in New Zealand, it would Palcohol is designed for trampers doesn’t colouring and added flavours. The powder be covered under the Sale hold water (excuse the pun). You’ve still feels slightly moist due to the liquid and Supply of Alcohol Act got to carry the water up the mountain content of the alcohol. 2012 and subject to no with you before you can toast the sunset Online videos also abound of people with a powdered mojito, and we’re told testing homemade versions. The consensus more or fewer restrictions fitness freaks (people who like to tramp) is that it certainly works in terms of than are placed on liquid don’t see mixing alcohol with their intoxication but is less pleasing on the alcohol. recreation as all that important anyway. palate. Wired’s Brent Rose said it tasted Clearly, with names like Lemon Drop “bready” and was a bit like drinking and Cosmopolitan, products like Palcohol adhesive and “chunks that refused to are actually aimed at the youthful alcopop dissolve would get stuck in my teeth”. Lipsmark founder Mark Phillips says market, and we have enough trouble Last year, Arizona company Lipsmark he came up with the idea to make it easier there already. No doubt, the labels will hit the news when its approval to sell for those wanting to drink alcohol after be colourful and reflect the alcohol Palcohol (sachets of powdered alcohol in a energetic activities like tramping. Those industry’s considerable skill at marketing variety of flavours) was revoked. It seems opposed to the product say it will worsen to adolescents. the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade existing harms by making alcohol more When and if powdered alcohol makes Bureau had missed that the company’s available. People will use it to spike others’ it to market in New Zealand, it would be website said the product was great for drinks or snort it like cocaine. Kids will be covered under the Sale and Supply of smuggling into venues where you weren’t able to smuggle it into Sunday school and Alcohol Act 2012 and subject to no more or allowed to drink. even “sprinkle it on their Wheaties”. fewer restrictions than are placed on liquid Lipsmark has since cleaned up its Most of these arguments have little alcohol. To ban it, we would need to enact website and labelling, and four flavours of merit, mainly due to the product’s bulk. special legislation, as states in the US have Palcohol were approved for sale in March Snorting 28 grams (around the equivalent done, and as we did to specifically ban 2015. Lipsmark intends to market Palcohol of one standard drink) would probably novel psychoactive substances. in America and internationally, but it is take quite some time (60 minutes according In the meantime, if you are an yet to hit the shelves anywhere – by the to Mark Phillips) and would cause enthusiastic drinker and tramper and end of the year, the website promises. considerable pain. you somehow get your hands on the stuff, Lipsmark’s website says they’ve been There are also faster and less risky be careful around the fire. Apparently, working with scientists around the world, ways of spiking someone’s drink than it can be quite flammable.

www.drugfoundation.org.nz 29 guest editorial

Treatment as prevention? How about prevention as prevention?!

This article by New Zealand Needle Exchange Programme National Manager Charles Henderson follows on from the issues raised by Russell Brown in ‘The Cruel C’, an article featured in our last edition. While Henderson understands the current interest in treatment as prevention for hepatitis C, he says we should remain focused on fundamental and ongoing primary prevention activities to reduce the numbers of people affected by blood-borne viruses. CHARLES HENDERSON

ut of discussion circumstances. Last time I checked, people Hepatitis C TasP needs around new drug who inject drugs tend to live in less than regimens for ideal circumstances, and accessing this to be considered entirely hepatitis C, a demographic is not straightforward. differently to HIV TasP concept known as In considering HIV TasP in New in New Zealand. ‘treatment as Zealand, we must look at important prevention’ (TasP) ‘contextual factors’ such as a low level O has arisen. It’s a of HIV prevalence in the most affected medical practice borrowed from the HIV populations in New Zealand – men who arena that uses antiretroviral treatment to have sex with men , sex workers and reduce the HIV viral load in bodily fluids people who inject drugs. Studies of to undetectable levels and thereby seroprevalence levels in the latter group significantly reduce risk of transmission. show needle exchange attendees here TasP is quite socially and ethically have extremely low prevalence at around complex in relation to people who inject 0.2 percent. This is due to the early drugs, and because the context and introduction of the Needle Exchange complexities are somewhat different for Programme (NEP), with a peer basis HIV TasP, they require further maintained through highly effective examination. TasP requires ideal social, community-based responses such as the political, economic and legal NEP, opioid substitution treatment, the

30 matters of substance November 15 AIDS Foundation, the New Zealand approach is the only one that will work Prostitutes’ Collective and peer education. for hepatitis C among people who inject We need to focus on Instead, there is considerable risk we drugs in New Zealand. could shift scarce funding away from these creating a new hepatitis C ■■ Reduced treatment duration would lead effective and evidence-based responses treatment discourse that to more being treated. This is true and towards a ‘scientific quick fix’ that may be should be encouraged, but the cost of removes barriers and is perceived as politically more palatable the new-generation drugs is beyond the based on equity of access than the classic harm reduction approach. scope of present PHARMAC funding. Follow this course, and we’ll face a and quality of care. For TasP to work, many more currently massive risk of not just ongoing infected individuals would require transmission of hepatitis C but also the treatment. Limitation of access to new occurrence of HIV outbreaks among PWID if we don’t scale up and provide more drug regimens on the basis of cost is so comprehensive approaches and tailor likely that health specialists will be contact with PWID to increase coverage required to treat those more adversely compromised with advanced cirrhosis and access to primary prevention While much more needs to be done of the liver, hepatocellular cancers and mechanisms – namely needles, syringes, to prevent hepatitis C transmission, associated injection equipment and so forth. For TasP to be effective, those people already living with it deserve condoms/lubricant. with mild hepatitis C conditions and access to the best available standard of care In other words, how about just doing those recently infected would need to at an affordable price and in a manner that ‘prevention as prevention’ (PasP) properly? be included in treatment provision. meets individual needs. These are And this is just the tip of the bio- ■■ The system capacity issues are simply principles already routinely applied to medical ethical iceberg – deeper issues massive and cannot be ignored. Added many here living with other potentially of race, class, gender, sexuality and to this are the implications of long-held life-threatening conditions. We need to poverty remain, let alone the issues of attitude and values among healthcare focus on creating a new hepatitis C medical dependency, autonomy, stigma providers and a lack of willingness to treatment discourse that removes barriers and discrimination. deal with those most in need. This could and is based on equity of access and All this when we already know that perhaps be the biggest barrier of all. quality of care. We cannot wait years simply providing best-practice, scaled-up, for the new generation of breakthrough peer-based access to sterile injecting ■■ Significant lack of treatment engagement medications to be made available. equipment and flexible opioid substitution and poor access to information lead Too many are already infected, too few treatment will effectively address HIV and to major knowledge gaps and are accessing treatment and hepatitis C hepatitis C among PWID. misinformation. Stigma, discrimination deaths are increasing dramatically. Let’s consider why hepatitis C TasP and poor treatment have fatigued PWID, This is a time of unprecedented needs to be considered entirely differently and this impact is severe and pervasive change and opportunity. The cost of to HIV TasP in New Zealand. The main so many would rather not contact inaction in personal, social, public health reason is that the prevalence of hepatitis C the health system for yet one more and economic terms is unacceptable. among people who inject drugs here is knockback or to be told to wait. Among New targets in the form of an hepatitis C massive compared to HIV. Additionally, those who are more than 45 years old action plan are urgently required so hepatitis C can be cured from an individual. and have been infected for 20 years or progress can be measured, and a forward- With HIV, the treatment regimen keeps the more, the reality of compromised livers thinking regulatory framework will viral load to (effectively) zero, but it is upon them. guarantee that the new era of hepatitis C doesn’t cure or remove the virus. treatments are the ‘game changers’ they This brings us to prevention as prevention This means that hepatitis C TasP does have the potential to be. (PasP) as the obvious answer. Evidence is not really stack up in the real, not ideal, People’s health is the first rule of a just clear that current harm reduction and world of in New Zealand. Here are some and democratic way of life, and in New prevention approaches work and are facts to consider: Zealand, we are proud of our egalitarian cost-effective, but have we ever really and inclusive approach. Please let this ■■ Fewer than 1,000 of 55,000 chronically expanded the service models (in particular, truly extend to the disadvantaged, hidden infected Kiwis access treatment each year NEP) to get the very best PasP outcomes? and marginalised. despite the current standard of treatment/ Reuse and sharing rates consistently I want to live in a country prepared to care being 50–80 percent successful. show an underinvestment in NEP. Demand look after its own, regardless of class, race, ■■ There are around 1,000 new infections for new injecting equipment always gender or behaviour. We develop many each year. Therefore, we are hardly outstrips supply, and 30 percent of all strategies to reduce downstream health keeping up with the incidence rate as it injections could be with used equipment. costs to society regardless of the behaviour is. For more than 15 years, this has been The mathematics is simple – 10 million that produced that cost. Prevention as the case and points to the differences new and sterile injection units a year at prevention is simple, direct and achievable. between the HIV and hepatitis C 12 cents each would ensure a new unit Let’s invest our efforts in what’s proven epidemics and the unique profile of the for every injection, preventing the and scale up services to provide safe and public health response to these viruses. transmission of hepatitis C among people effective mechanisms that prevent first and This is because a selective NEP model who inject drugs and bringing the hepatitis foremost. Invest because it works and it’s works for HIV, and a comprehensive C epidemic to its knees. the right thing to do.

www.drugfoundation.org.nz 31 Viewpoints Is the jury still out on e-cigarettes?

Public Health England role in why some people experiment with them, most of poisoning to others (such as children) or of evices In August 2015, Public Health England (PHE) of these experiments did not lead to regular use. causing fires were found to be on a par with other published its commissioned report E-cigarettes: an It concluded from this that e-cigarettes are “not household electrical goods or substances. evidence update, which summarised the findings undermining, and may even be contributing to, the The report’s authors discount recent news from two extensive literature reviews. long-term decline in cigarette smoking”. headlines reporting high levels of formaldehyde The report’s conclusions were almost startling. The report made much of a September 2014 found in e-cigarettes as misinterpretations of It said the evidence suggests using e-cigarettes is Cochrane Review, Electronic cigarettes for smoking research findings. They found no indication electronic 95 percent safer than smoking and that cessation and reduction, featuring New Zealanders cigarette users are exposed to dangerous levels of e-cigarettes have the potential to make a significant Hayden McRobbie and Chris Bullen amongst its aldehydes and said this could only happen when authors. The review’s meta-analysis of 600 records contribution to the endgame for tobacco. Its policy e-liquid was heated to “levels unpalatable to users”. found that e-cigarettes can “help smokers unable to recommendations included making e-cigarettes Instead, they assert that most of the chemicals much more prominent in smoking cessation stop smoking … to reduce their cigarette causing smoking-related diseases are absent in initiatives and streamlining convoluted processes consumption when compared with placebo e-cigarettes and that those that are present pose for them to be licensed as quit-smoking aids. e-cigarettes and nicotine patches”. limited danger. Among the report’s findings was that The PHE report also found e-cigarettes do not PHE’s findings have been supported by a e-cigarette use by people who had never smoked replicate the problems of second- was extremely low, at around 0.2 percent. Regular hand smoke. They release “negligible levels of number of high-profile medical experts, including use (at least once weekly) by young people is also nicotine into ambient air with no identified health UK’s Chief Medical Officer Dame Sally Davies. A very rare at just 2 percent, and while there is some risks to bystanders”. No concerns were found around September 2015 British Journal of General Practice youthful experimentation, only 0.3 percent of young the labelling of nicotine cartridges or ‘e-liquids’, and editorial concluded that, for every million smokers people who used e-cigarettes had never smoked when they were poorly labelled, they mostly who switched from tobacco to e-cigarettes, more tobacco before. It said the most important reason contained less nicotine than declared. While than 6,000 premature deaths would be prevented in people use e-cigarettes is to reduce smoking- acknowledging nicotine is a poison, the report found the UK every year. If all 9 million smokers took up related harms and that, while curiosity plays a no evidence of nicotine poisoning to users. The risks e-cigarettes instead, 54,000 lives could be saved.

Critique of PHE had used e-cigarettes, and 73 percent of these were The PHE research will probably be music to the ...no firm conclusions can non-smokers. An American study, published after the ears of the millions of smokers around the world PHE report, they say, concluded that “those who had who have turned to e-cigarettes but who may still be drawn about the safety of ever used e-cigarettes at baseline compared with have niggling doubts that their new drug delivery e-cigarettes but ... they can non-users were more likely to report initiation of combustible tobacco use over the next year”. device is really all that better for their health. hardly be considered But in one of the greatest parade-raining The McKee and Capewell rebuttal, which points articles so far this century, Martin McKee and harmless. out a number of further perceived problems and Simon Capewell, writing in the British Medical inconsistencies, does not claim to prove e-cigarettes Journal, are scornful of the research and suggest are as harmful as smoking tobacco. Rather, its foundation is built on sand. many conflicts of interest “that no firm conclusions its contention is that the PHE report isn’t sufficiently First, they say a recent cohort study shows can be drawn about the safety of e-cigarettes” but evidence based to underpin changes in public health most smokers who switch to e-cigarettes (80 that “they can hardly be considered harmless”. They policy. And therein lies the rub. percent) are still also smoking cigarettes at 12 also point out the 95 percent figure does not come months (dual use) and that reduced smoking may from a review of the evidence but from a single not reduce overall risk of death. meeting of 12 people convened to synthesise their Next, they attack the Cochrane report, on opinions on the harms associated with different which the PHE report relies heavily, by pointing out products containing nicotine. They point out two of that it included only two randomised controlled those present had received tobacco industry funding trials and that, by its own admission, its evidence in the past and that some other attendees were had limitations and was of “low or very low” quality. known e-cigarette champions The claim that e-cigarettes are 95 percent McKee and Capewell also dispute the report’s safer gets a particular hiding. McKee and Capewell finding that e-cigarettes are not helping to cite a recent systematic review in Preventative renormalise smoking. They say a July 2015 survey by Medicine that found serious methodological the Health and Social Care Information Centre problems in many of the studies it reviewed and so showed more than 20 percent of 11–15-year-olds

32 matters of substance November 15 FOR AGAINST 33 .org.nz drugfoundation www. declaration that e-cigarettes are that e-cigarettes declaration and by a safer than cigarettes significant margin. take a look at In this edition, we at one of its the English report and jury still out, and detractors. Is the waiting? should we bother become more officially not officially – perhaps sanctioned more become evidence been a rush of irrefutable because there’s and Ministry of Healthbut because our government times. the behind woefully find themselves suddenly stay. to here little are doubt e-cigarettes There’s She also points out there’s an “uncanny also pointsShe out there’s from stories the anecdotal then there’s “And Is the jury of of the safety still out in terms dangerous in on how “But the jury is absolutely Zealand, in New devices e-cigarette can buy You just use is growing Nevertheless, e-cigarette …if an action or policy In the May 2012 Viewpoints, 2012 Viewpoints, In the May compared Matters of Substance the the arguments and decided out on jury was still probably e-cigarettes. A recent report by however, Public Health England, authoritative has become the first has a suspected risk of causing harm and there is no scientific consensus that the action or policy is not harmful… exchange” between falls in smoking rates and rising rates in smoking falls between exchange” strongly and the UK that use in the US e-cigarette people quit.suggests help e-cigarettes improved has health millions of people who say their their lives. saved have e-cigarettes or that people used by is being The precautionary principle industry-driven another But an epidemic. who fear the disease?” epidemic of what? What’s Glover says. all, at Not e-cigarettes? of its harm. evidence ample is, and there’s smoking or of acute is no evidence there e-cigarettes, With though even whatsoever, harm longitudinal it.” for looking are researchers overseas in from must be ordered but nicotine non-medicinal for here licensed because it is not is similar in most case The and it’s jurisdictions, sale. off. well not if you’re especially impediment, a major aren’t of smokers suggesting a lot about everywhere, is probably day The the jury. for wait to bothering when stancescoming soften and e-cigarettes

Massey University Associate Professor Professor Associate University Massey Many of those opposing e-cigarettes rely pretty rely e-cigarettes of those opposing Many if an that, states precautionaryThe principle “Disease and illness are well established well and illness “Disease are the where trial, controlled In a randomised of in terms working clearly are “E-cigarettes

Marewa Glover, who also chairs End Smoking NZ, NZ, who also chairs End Smoking Glover, Marewa is less when it of the precautionary principle a fan points She out the policy. public health comes to first used in the was precautionary principle any aren’t there and that arena risk environmental public health. it to transferring for grounds real The precautionary principle: against The precautionary principle: for bit like a It’s on the precautionary principle. heavily but based must policy be evidence that insisting further. a small step goes of causing risk a suspected has action or policy theconsensus that is no scientific and there harm of proof burden the harmful, is not action or policy an action. on those taking falls harmful it is not that common that matter it doesn’t words, In other a containing in vapour sense suggests breathing in is better breathing than of chemicals handful is enough there Until hundreds. containing smoke thatconsensus scientific provide to evidence endorse them. cannot we safe, are e-cigarettes Health World by the taken is the view This Ministry own and by our Health, of Organization any recommend to refuses currently which use of e-cigarettes. sort a longThat consensus is probably of scientific on the is little research There available off. way just because they of e-cigarettes effects long-term enough. long been around haven’t areas, and we have well established practices well have and we areas, rely need to don’t so we to health risks determining innocent’ proven until a ‘guilty on such so heavily she says. approach,” is clearly investigated particular being drug new the intervention for harm and alleviating working it where it, a point is reached group receiving that withholding continue to becomes unethical the thinks Glover group. the control from drug is very e-cigarettes. similar with situation than more – far smoking people stop helping had have not may We seen so far. we’ve anything but the yet, trials controlled randomised many it make so why mounting, is definitely evidence to use them?” want for people who difficult

Tobacco to renormalise smoking? Tobacco to renormalise worse, a sneaky attempt by Big worse, a sneaky attempt gateway device for children or, a gateway device for just another dangerous addiction, just another dangerous since the humble patch? Or are they since the humble the best smoking cessation device the best smoking take addiction away, are e-cigarettes away, are e-cigarettes take addiction Short of a pill that will magically a pill that will magically Short of Opinion

A nation in denial? Photo credit: flickr.com/photos/utler

It’s coming on Christmas, and with it, will come the usual increase in alcohol and other substance-induced family violence. Being good Kiwis, though, it’s something we won’t talk about. Nathan Frost, Special Projects Advisor, New Zealand Society on Alcohol and Drug Dependence, turns to a popular children’s folk story that may help us to understand why. NATHAN FROST

oes anyone Its evocative social commentary remember the Hans has huge relevance when examining Kiwis baulk at the idea of Christian Andersen the collective denial enacted on a daily story The Emperor’s basis by one in three Kiwis with first- airing what are perceived as New Clothes? It’s hand knowledge of substance misuse shameful family substance about a conceited in their families. misuse issues in public. emperor duped by Research both here and overseas has D rogues into donning shown that family members affected by imaginary clothing and parading naked a loved one’s substance misuse suffer through town. from serious negative impacts on their As implausible as this plot may seem, emotional, physical and social wellbeing. Andersen’s skilfully crafted children’s tale That’s 1,500,000 Kiwis under explores the very real tension between significant stress to their physical and privately knowing about a problem and not mental health and suffering from a decline acknowledging the problem publicly. in the quality of their familial relationships

34 matters of substance November 15 due to fractured communication, loss of and while we can all agree on the statistics, trust and ongoing unresolved conflicts. there seems to be a general inability to ...those of us with family That’s a huge number of families accept how commonly alcohol features in members who struggle suffering more incidents of domestic this behaviour. violence, child abuse, financial hardships, Yet half of all violent crimes committed with addictions to alcohol employment and legal issues. in New Zealand involve alcohol, including and other drugs know that, At its worst, that’s Kiwi kids growing child homicides. even if we’re not admitting up in abusive and transient environments, We are extremely quick to talk about hostages to their parents’ substance misuse it in public, terms such the ‘child poverty’ problem in New issues, with empty bellies at school. as moderation and Zealand but less inclined to examine what Yet as dire as these problems can be, impact the purchasing of alcohol, other responsibility aren’t really Kiwis baulk at the idea of airing what are drugs and cigarettes has upon the family’s in their vocabularies. perceived as shameful family substance finances and, more tellingly, the amount misuse issues in public. Andersen’s story helps us understand spent on food. why this is. How about the collective denial on In The Emperor’s New Clothes, two display every year as we head into the I say this because those of us with fraudulent weavers tell the vainglorious festive season? Christmas is not far off, family members who struggle with emperor their fabrics have the magical and with it comes the winding down of quality of remaining invisible to anyone workplaces, the firing up of barbecues addictions to alcohol and other drugs know extraordinarily simple in character or unfit and alcohol-fuelled family gatherings. that, even if we’re not admitting it in public, for the office they hold. The emperor We know that, as a nation, we drink terms such as moderation and responsibility decides he simply must have a suit made heavily at this time of the year, and this aren’t really in their vocabularies. from this wondrous material and instructs If your family member has a substance the rogues to begin immediately. misuse issue, no amount of moderation- When the emperor eventually visits based alcohol campaigning is going to help the clothing con artists, he sees nothing If your family member you at Christmas dinner when they’re and thinks to himself, ‘Am I a simpleton, has a substance misuse issue, overly pissed and knock their glass of red or am I unfit to be an Emperor?’ wine into the potato salad, kicking off a “Oh the cloth is charming,” he says aloud. no amount of moderation- family barney! What ensues is a form of fear-induced based alcohol campaigning By dressing up substance misuse as collective denial. All the townsfolk see that is going to help you at something it’s not – like it being choice the emperor is naked, but no one has the Christmas dinner when oriented and a matter of moderation and courage to break the spell until the honesty responsibility – we are doing little more of a child cuts through the farce. they’re overly pissed and than avoiding problems that will not The Emperor’s New Clothes highlights knock their glass of red wine resolve themselves. the vulnerability family members feel into the potato salad, kicking So what is the answer? when expressing inconvenient truths that In all honesty, I don’t really know. challenge established myths they have off a family barney! But there’s that word – honesty – and tacitly agreed to weave around the impact I believe a good place to start is by of substance misuse in order to avoid encouraging people to speak the truth. family shame. If Andersen’s story teaches us anything Think of the family at the breakfast is reflected in an increased presence of it’s that a child’s truth broke the spell of table the night after a drunken fight has responsible drinking propaganda in the a collective denial that had spread like taken place. The mother of the household media. Turn the television on, and you’re a virus and infected the entire town. is wearing sunglasses, but no one makes sure to be informed on a raft of responsible I wonder what the truth looks like a comment about why. behaviours you can promote around the through the eyes of the many children out Everyone knows what happened, imbibing of alcohol. there today struggling in familial settings except for the youngest child, but even he You can be a legend and stop your knows instinctively not to say anything. If marred by substance misuse. Perhaps we mate’s drink driving right? Because once he is like the child in Andersen’s story and could learn a thing or two from their they’re dead, you can’t eat their ghost blurts something out about the sunglasses, honest appraisal. chips, bro! he is immediately met by the family’s wall Because no matter what fabric we use You can also reason with your loved of silence. He quickly learns to also ignore to cloak our denial on substance misuse, ones to be responsible in their drinking the elephant sitting at the table. it will not protect us from the very real habits – “No more beersies for you” – This is not just a family dynamic, consequences it has for families. though. At a societal level, New Zealanders or drink “not beersies” (water brewed struggle to accept the impacts of substance by clouds). Because according to the misuse on families. propaganda, “It’s not the drinking, RESOURCES it’s how we’re drinking.” Right? We all know we have an extremely Kina Trust offers support to family members living poor record of domestic violence, Perhaps that should be replaced with with loved ones who have alcohol and other drug particularly with children as victims, a “Yeah, right!” problems. Visit www.kina.org.nz

www.drugfoundation.org.nz 35 Q&A

executed 14 people, but of course that hasn’t changed the huge drug industry and massive corruption problems one bit.

Q Who gets executed seems arbitrary – how come some on death row get off and others not? A It is not that arbitrary – rather, it is shocking. From country to country, the reasons vary as to who gets executed, but the outcomes are predictable. Usually, except for the notorious violent murderers, it is the weak, the poor, the marginalised, the political enemies or those without powerful families and Nobody suffers friends who lack the resources to pay bribes who get executed. The best way to improve the situation is to remove the death penalty from the like the families statute book so it becomes unavailable as an instrument of brutality or oppression or political convenience for unscrupulous politicians. Julian McMahon is an Australian barrister practising criminal Q The toll taken by an execution ripples law. He was one of those representing Andrew Chan and out very widely – what is your experience Myuran Sukumaran from the so-called Bali 9 and was also the of this? lawyer for the Bali 9’s Van Tuong Nguyen who was executed in A Nobody suffers like the families. They watch the wrongful actions of the powerful Singapore in 2005. Matters of Substance recently spoke with destroy the life of their family. They know him about the death penalty for drug-related crime. and feel the injustice, the indifference, the hypocrisy. Everyone closely involved with executions – families, but also friends, Q Why is it important that we abolish the momentum towards abolition, with fewer supporters, lawyers – pay a heavy price. death penalty? than 30 countries now executing. Every But this extends much further – guards, A Premeditated state-sanctioned killing few years, several more countries, or in prison officials, journalists and all other of a prisoner who is rendered helpless the USA on a state-by-state basis, will prisoners and their networks, then to the achieves nothing, because research shows declare their days of executions over. compassionate community generally. the death penalty does not work as a At least 140 countries now never execute, deterrent. Killing a person also brutalises whether by law or practice. Q Can a country like New Zealand have any the killer – the state and its politicians etc. On the other hand, in some places, the meaningful influence? How best do we go Subtly, but with far-reaching effects, the violence of state-sanctioned killing is about this? whole of society is diminished when it deliberately increasing. This year, A New Zealand is a country with great kills unnecessarily. executions have risen in number in human rights credentials. It can speak up Another very important observation is that, some countries. Looking at averages, simply because it’s the right thing to do while the death penalty is not the biggest things have become much worse in Iran without a hidden agenda. So by strategic problem in the world, it is a problem (about 20 a week), Saudi Arabia and interventions at the UN, such as pushing people can address. It is also a window Pakistan (several weekly). for an international moratorium, which to many other problems. By shining the New Zealand already does, by pushing spotlight on executions, we see many other Q How is it that people put themselves at risk countries in the region to adopt the dirty little secrets or failings in society that of execution by knowingly carrying drugs appropriate international instruments, should be confronted – from torture to into countries that have the death penalty? by keeping the issue alive in relevant prison conditions to other forms of inhuman A Like it or not, we are all pretty flawed. forums, it can drive real progress. treatment, corruption, state brutality, lack of For young people or dumbish people accountability, procedural injustice, racism committing drug courier crimes, they just Q What actions can individual citizens take? and so on. think it won’t be them who gets caught, A Participation. Education. Compassion. and the sums of money promised, for Effort. For some, it’s very local, for others, Q Are things moving forward or backward example, $5,000 or $10,000, seem huge. it is public and political, and mostly it’s in terms of international abolition efforts? The serious criminals, the organisers, in between. Society moves to a better A It depends on where you look. Overall, the profiteers, are never carrying drugs position by lots of people getting involved the trend for 70 years has been a slow through airports. This year, Indonesia in different ways.

36 matters of substance November 15 Mythbusters Yeast spreads can be used for brewing alcohol

true blue Aussie the aim of improving residents’ health. “Even though there is no active yeast toast spread is Concerns have been raised about these in Vegemite, it can still be used as a being used to make alcohol management plans driving problem substrate for other micro-organisms that homebrew alcohol drinking underground, but hard evidence could ferment the sugars and, ultimately, in remote of Vegemite abuse in dry communities has produce alcohol,” they wrote on academic Aboriginal been patchy at best. website The Conversation. communities? The gloves soon then came off. “That’s true of any sugar-containing A Turns out the Opposition spokesman Shayne Neumann food, including fruit and fruit juices.” Vegemite story that made headlines across accused Mr Scullion of side-tracking a Matthew Cooke, Queensland the Tasman and around the world wasn’t federal inquiry into alcohol abuse with his Aboriginal and Islander Health Council quite what it seemed. claims and peddling negative stereotypes Chief Executive, labelled the whole story It started in August when Australia’s of Aboriginal people. Defending his a distraction from the very real challenges Indigenous Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion statements, Mr Scullion said he and other to indigenous communities caused by described the popular yeast extract spread senators were told by Police and staff at a alcohol, cannabis and the rapid growth Vegemite as a scourge, or as he put it, local health centre when they visited of crystal methamphetamine (ice) use. a “precursor to misery”, because of its Mornington Island in Queensland that In an opinion piece published in The illegal use by home brewers in some of alcohol was being produced in the area Koori Mail, he said the real tragedy was Queensland’s alcohol-free indigenous using fruit juice, sugar and Vegemite. not the availability of a yeast spread but communities. He called on businesses in Parliament was told regardless of how the lack of investment in targeted drug these areas to report cases where customers Vegemite home brewing remained a and alcohol programmes focused on were buying suspiciously large quantities of serious problem. education and harm minimisation. the iconic brand, saying its use in homemade Vegemite manufacturer Mondelez He emphasised the importance of good alcohol (sometimes distilled in bathtubs in International emphatically ruled out quality research and robust data on backyards) was linked to domestic violence, the idea of its product being used to which to base policies and said local underage drinking and truancy. make booze. communities should be supported to The Minister’s comments were first “The autolysis process and subsequent develop effective local solutions. reported in Brisbane’s Courier Mail, yeast processing in the manufacture of The story is a lesson in how quickly then almost overnight stories appeared Vegemite kills the yeast,” Mondelez a largely baseless story can gain momentum in the UK press. As hype intensified, spokesperson Sandra Dal Maso said in a nationally and internationally, particularly Tony Abbott, who was still Prime Minister, statement. “As sugar and active yeast are when it runs under a catchy headline was approached for comment. two elements required in the brewing linking a familiar brand name with alcohol “Vegemite, quite properly, is for most process, Vegemite cannot be fermented abuse. In reality, Vegemite probably has people a reasonably nutritious spread on into alcohol.” an insignificant role in a much bigger your morning toast or on your sandwiches,” Australian science journalist Signe and more complex situation in remote he explained primly. Cane chastised media outlets for lazy Aboriginal communities. Poverty, Meanwhile, a Queensland Police reporting on the issue in her blog, saying, disempowerment, health problems and representative sagely described the story “Why no media outlet has bothered to addiction have been simplified into one as “a bit of a beat up”. He seemed to be check whether Vegemite alcohol is sensationalised, brand-focused sound bite. right. Many representatives of indigenous physically possible, I don’t know.” As Matthew Cooke pointed out, communities said they hadn’t heard of But University of Queensland well informed policies and investment Vegemite being used to make illicit molecular bioscience experts Dr Ben in sound local solutions targeting drug booze, and if it was happening, it wasn’t Schulz and Dr Maggie Hardy said, and alcohol abuse would be more practical commonplace. Alcohol restrictions have despite its lack of yeast, like many and worthwhile, but unfortunately, they been imposed by the state government in foodstuffs, Vegemite could play a are far less likely to gain the kind of global 19 communities across Queensland with subsidiary role in fermenting alcohol. publicity received by Vegemite-gate.

www.drugfoundation.org.nz 37 If using cannabis isn’t working for you any more, then perhaps now is a good time to hear from other Kiwis who have changed their use.

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