Determinants of high availability of methamphetamine, cannabis, LSD and ecstasy in New Zealand: are drug dealers promoting methamphetamine rather than cannabis?

Making Education Easy

Authors:

Wilkins C et al.

December 17, 2018

Summary:

Recent anecdotal reports of illegal drug supplies in many small towns in NZ suggest that cannabis is becoming harder to obtain, whereas methamphetamine is becoming ever easier to obtain. Outcomes are reported from an anonymous online survey of alcohol and drug use in NZ, promoted via a broadly targeted Facebook™ campaign conducted from November 2017 to February 2018 and targeted at people aged ≥16 years. A total of 6,311 surveys were completed and returned. Across NZ, respondents reported methamphetamine as more available than cannabis. Methamphetamine was easier to obtain in towns and rural areas than in cities. In logistic regression analysis, statistically significant predictors of reporting high availability of methamphetamine were living in a town/rural area (OR 1.38), purchasing from a gang member (OR 1.88), daily methamphetamine use (OR 2.41), Māori ethnicity (OR 1.36) and reporting low availability of cannabis (OR 1.89). Low availability of cannabis failed to predict for high availability of ecstasy or LSD. Living in a town/ rural area did not predict for high availability of cannabis, LSD or ecstasy. Purchasing from a gang member predicted for high availability of cannabis (OR 1.80) and LSD (OR 4.61).

Comment:

These results align with international literature for methamphetamine use and Indigenous peoples – it is an increasing problem and particularly so for rural communities. We must look both upstream, to those factors associated with drug misuse such as poverty and housing, and downstream, to equitable access to and through rehabilitation.

Reference: Int J Drug Policy. 2018;61:15-22

Independent commentary by Dr. Matire Hardwood

Dr Matire Harwood (Ngapuhi) has worked in Hauora Māori, primary health and rehabilitation settings as clinician and researcher since graduating from Auckland Medical School in 1994. She also holds positions on a number of boards, committees and advisory groups including the Health Research Council. Matire lives in Auckland with her whānau including partner Haunui and two young children Te Rangiura and Waimarie.

Research Review publications are intended for New Zealand health professionals.

Disclaimer: This publication is not intended as a replacement for regular medical education but to assist in the process. The reviews are a summarised interpretation of the published study and reflect the opinion of the writer rather than those of the research group or scientific journal. It is suggested readers review the full trial data before forming a final conclusion on its merits.

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