A lot can happen in 40 years. The changes we’ve witnessed in Kiwi society are profound. As the spot the difference images below 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.
This special anniversary report was prepared by Andrew Zielinski, Cameron Price, Nathan Frost and Stephen Blyth.
Lots has changed in the last 40 years. Our drug law hasn't.
Survey participants also reported that barriers to accessing services, resources and information were high.
A group of powerful synthetic opioids that were first detected in the country just a year ago may have already been linked to several deaths.
95% of respondents reported positive effects, in a study that looked at both prescription and black market cannabis use.