Fri, 01 Oct 2004

KiwiKids, Cannabis, Coroners and Corpses.

Australian and US researchers are suggesting early onset of puberty correlates to early entry drug experimentation. Similarly a recent CASA media release citing sexually active friends and dating practises signals teen substance abuse risk. This reeks of moral panic.

What might work is remove the double standards that are impediments to credible anti-drug health promotion as identified by the 1998 NZ Health Select Committee Inquiry into Cannabis and Mental Health. Where impediments exist, teen health behaviours are adversely affected.

Current OECD health and lifestyle statistics have NZ as the highest cannabis consuming population in the world at 22.23 per cent whereas Netherlands is 5.24 per cent. Netherlands other teen indicators such as puberty onset, education and employment are on par with New Zealand. However 2004 OECD data has useful comparative health outcomes for youth. Dutch Teen pregnancy is one quarter NZs, as is young male youth suicide, teen STDs and 'trouble with the law'.

What is it that the Dutch are doing right that NZ is doing so very wrong? And how might we convince sceptics that deviancy amplifying 'family values' drug policy is not at the root of the inhalent and can'o'piss problem?

** http://www.nationmaster.com/graph-T/lif_can_use

Blair Anderson Mayoral Candidate, Christchurch City

-- sig. Blair Anderson

Mayor Blair for a really Healthy Christchurch

http://mildgreens.com/candidates/blair

VOTE Oct 9, everywhere. cell phone 025 2657219

"Garry's such a nice guy, but he hasn't the leadership to fix this!"

blogon@mildgreens.com http://mildgreens.blogspot.com/

ENDS

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