18 August 2004

Pot Not Hot For Maori

New Zealand First is calling for immediate research into the effects of cannabis use by Maori because of their high usage of the drug.

“Too many Maori are wasted out of their heads on a daily basis, and it’s time to look at the long term physical, social and psychological effects of using this drug,” said Maori Affairs spokesperson Pita Paraone.

“The road to decriminalisation is a dead end for Maori, and for New Zealand. It’s time to get the facts on dope out there before it’s too late, and before the issue gets hi-jacked by interest groups and lobbyists.

“The Maori Party is a prime example, particularly when Tariana Turia came out in support of decriminalisation leading up to the recent Te Tai Hauauru by-election.

“I find it incomprehensible that a party purporting to be about advancing the cause of Maori could support something so detrimental to that very cause. Marijuana abuse is endemic in some Maori communities, and what’s worse, it’s inter-generational, with the first suspension for marijuana use at a Northland secondary school in 1974.

“More focus should be on helping Maori achieve and succeed, rather than exploiting their perceived victimhood. Advocating the use of drugs is no help to Maori, the community or our nation.

“We are now in the unfortunate situation of having two parties in Parliament that openly endorse drug use. A plague on both their houses,” said Mr Paraone.

ENDS

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