Drug survey shows NZ slipping into 'world's gutters' - expert
Updated 12:40PM Wednesday July 02, 2008
Latest international cannabis use figures prove that New Zealand is descending into "the world's gutters", says outspoken drug education expert Mike Sabin.
A recent World Health Organisation survey using data from 17 countries found cannabis use was highest in the United States, at 42.4 per cent, closely followed by New Zealand at 41.9 per cent.
The study also found New Zealand ranked second behind the US in terms of cocaine use, with 4.3 per cent of participants reporting having used the drug, compared with 16.2 per cent in the States.
Mr Sabin said the figures when combined with a high rate of methamphetamine use and alcohol consumption showed New Zealand was fast becoming one of the world's "black sheep".
"This is something we should be gravely concerned about."
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