UN URGES NZ TO TURN YOUNGSTERS OFF CANNABIS

The United Nations has urged the Government to crack down on heavy
cannabis abuse by young Kiwis.

In its 2003 annual report issued this week, the UN's International
Narcotics Control Board calls on the Government to develop policies
that reverse the trend of heavy abuse of cannabis by people aged 18 to
24, and its increasing abuse among youths aged 15 to 17.

A parliamentary committee noted last year that more youths were being
apprehended for cannabis offences, and recommended that the Government
review cannabis laws to prevent young people from using it.

Though the UN report mentions a tightening of controls over precursor
substances for making the drug P and the Government's "methamphetamine
action plan", it also notes there are areas of New Zealand where
cannabis abuse is being surpassed by the abuse of amphetamine-type
stimulants, and that manufacture of such drugs has increased.

Environmental Science and Research estimates 180 clandestine P
laboratories were uncovered last year, compared with 147 in 2002, 47
in 2001 and nine in 2000.

However, cannabis remains the "drug of choice" in New Zealand.

Ministerial Action Committee on Drugs chairman Jim Anderton said he
was pleased the UN recognised the good work New Zealand was doing to
fight drug abuse.