Drug Harm Index 2016 lacks credibility

The Government is grossly manipulating statistics to try and justify their failed National Drug Policy.

The Drug Harm Index 2016 is full of estimates and made up figures about drugs.

The index significantly inflates the supposed harm of cannabis by lumping it in with dangerous synthetics.

Prohibition, criminisation and forced addiction treatment are at the core of this Government's policy, despite the fact this is undermining human rights and maximising harm to society.

The index assumes that all family and friends of dependent drug users are willing to each pay $1060 towards their addiction treatment.

It quotes a Nordic study where families would be willing to pay 500 Euros for drug treatment and doubles the figure to account for the exchange rate. This is despite the average income in Nordic countries being double that of New Zealand.

It claims 359,351 family and friends are expected to pay a total of $380,912,147 for cannabinoid related treatment. This made-up figure is added to the supposed harm of cannabinoids.

This harm is not only grossly inflated, it is also creates supposed harm that never existed. Especially since most cannabis users have no interest in drug treatment.

The figures quoted for methamphetamine related deaths are identical to cannabinoids and appear to have been copied and pasted.

The index includes lost tax revenue as a harm to society despite the fact the black-market is a direct result of Government policy.

The index fails to assess the impact of alcohol and tobacco, two of the most harmful drugs to society.

The index fails to acknowledge the conclusion that most of the social harm associated with cannabis comes from prohibitionist drug laws.

The index validates the claim by the Cannabis Party that over $200 million is being spent by the police, courts and corrections enforcing cannabis prohibition.

This money could be spent fighting real crime if the cannabis trade was legalised and regulated.

Colorado has experienced numerous social benefits since regulating and taxing cannabis.

ENDS

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