Time to replace 'archaic' drug laws

There are renewed calls to replace the 50-year old Misuse of Drugs Act.

The latest Public Health briefing, “Safer Drug Laws for Aotearoa: Why our 50-year-old drug legislation needs to go”, claims they are a major driver of harm and do nothing to reduce it, with a massive shake up needed.

Public Health Professor Michael Baker says the law commission recommended the act be repelled 15 years ago.

“It’s completely antiquated. It’s not a piece of legislation that can be reformed, it needs to be replaced”. 

The briefing points to strong evidence showing health-based approaches to drug policy achieve much better outcomes, with international experience showing the removal of criminal penalties - like de-criminalising possession and use - can reduce serious harm.

“Over 20 countries now have implemented that approach and that makes it easier for people to come forward for health care if they’ve got substance dependency” says Professor Baker.

There are also concerns about the prevalence of drug use, with Māori disproportionately affected. Research found more than 90 percent of participants in communities affected by drug harm say that current laws are not fit for purpose.

Professor Baker says the evidence is overwhelming - the archaic 1975 law needs to be replaced.

“This law, in this area, touches almost all New Zealanders and we are not winning the battle on drugs …not based on all of the indicators we’ve got”.

Politicians are now being urged to work across party lines to replace the Act with a modern approach, focused on health outcomes.