Pubdate: Sun, 22 Aug 2004 Source: Otago Daily Times (New Zealand) Copyright: 2004 Allied Press Limited Contact: http://www.odt.co.nz/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/925 Author: NZPA Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization) MP CALLS FOR DOPE RESEARCH Wellington: Marijuana is having a detrimental effect on Maori, says New Zealand First MP Pita Paraone, who is calling for "immediate research" into the effects of the drug. "Too many Maori are wasted out of their heads on a daily basis, and it's time to look at the long-term physical, social and psychological effects of using this drug," he said yesterday. "The road to decriminalisation is a dead-end for Maori, and for New Zealand. It's time to get the facts on dope out there before it's too late and before the issue gets hijacked by interest groups and lobbyists." Mr Paraone's comments follow those of author Alan Duff last weekend, when he said cannabis was a huge issue for Maori and it was nowhere more evident than at rugby matches. "Everyone is smoking dope. Our brains are addled on dope," Mr Duff said. Mr Duff's remarks, and others he made about Maori at an Act New Zealand party conference, annoyed Maori Party co-leader Pita Sharples, who accused him of "misreporting Maori activities" and using divisive politics. Mr Paraone said yesterday the party's other co-leader, Tariana Turia, had supported decriminalisation of cannabis during the Te Tai Hauauru by-election. "I find it incomprehensible that a party purporting to be about advancing the cause of Maori could support something so detrimental to that very cause," he said. "Marijuana abuse is endemic in some Maori communities, and what's worse, it's inter-generational." Mr Paraone said New Zealand was now in the "unfortunate position" of having two parties in Parliament that supported decriminalisation - the Maori Party and the Greens. - --- MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager