뉴질랜드에서의 마약남용의 피해와 그 규제상황

The dangers and harms of drug abuse and its regulation in New Zealand

Reducing the number of negative outcomes due to drug abuse in the New Zealand population is a difficult task. The most effective method of reducing drug abuse is by informing the dangers and harms of drug abuse widely. In New Zealand, the failure of forced prohibition of cannabis to substantially decrease the number of cannabis users stand as evidence that the traditional methods of forceful crime regulation is ineffective. The police have taken an open stance on decriminalization of drugs and this is an indication that the perception of cannabis is changing. If the aim of 'non-medical substance use policy' is to minimize harm it is important to recognize that prohibition of substance use is not its primary concern. Attempts must be made to unify several drugs related laws into one single, complete law because this would have higher chance of success in attaining the common goal of minimizing harm from drug abuse. This research aims to survey the past and present of drug abuse, legal and non-legal regulatory status and make suggestions on enacting drugs related laws in a previously isolated, southern-most nation, New Zealand. Thus hope that through comparison, it will aid in improving drug regulation policies in Korea.