Future research on cannabis and methamphetamine use in New Zealand must make an explicit commitment to be of benefit to Māori, and implement Kaupapa Māori-consistent research approaches. This was the finding of a Kaupapa Māori review which analysed 30 literature sources, the majority of which were journal articles. Research mainly utilised quantitative survey data collection methods, focused on large population groups and investigated individual characteristics of cannabis and/or methamphetamine users. A general population approach was taken in most articles, with Māori only briefly mentioned, or differences in drug use assessed between Māori and others. The value of focusing on drug use, rather than drug users, was highlighted in more recent research either led by Māori or undertaken with a critical lens.
