PUBLIC LECTURE: Cannabis use and the NZ referendum 2020

Friday 14th February 2020

A panel discussion on cannabis use and the NZ referendum 2020:

Evidence from the Dunedin and Christchurch longitudinal studies.

New Zealand is blessed with two of the

world’s richest sources of information about

the natural history of cannabis use. The

Dunedin and Christchurch cohort studies have

both studied approximately 1,000 people

from birth into their 40s, capturing in detail

key developmental periods and patterns

of cannabis use. These studies have been

described by international experts as being

the best designed and most informative

epidemiological studies showing the lifecourse

consequences of cannabis use and

misuse. Their study members have lived

through a historical period of high cannabis

use during adolescence and young adulthood.

In particular, these studies provide in-depth

information about the adverse effects of

regular and sustained cannabis use.

The directors of the two studies, Professors

Richie Poulton and Joseph Boden, will discuss

key findings from the studies. In sharing

these study findings they hope to support

an evidence-informed approach when New

Zealanders enter the voting booth in 2020.