The NZ Drug Foundation and Helen Clark Foundation discuss use patterns and markets in Aotearoa / New Zealand, related harms, current regulations and how to reduce harms through psychosocial, cultural, and pharmacological approaches.

Despite falling conviction rates, police discretion in prosecution is having a disproportionate impact among certain groups, including the Māori people, people with prior convictions and people with substance use problems.

The NZ Drug Foundation's analysis zooms into key questions such as changes in the domestic legal framework, impact on social equity and harm reduction.

The new law provides a permanent legal framework for drug checking services at festivals and clinics.

The government of New Zealand / Aotearoa expects a legal framework for drug checking services will reduce accidental drug deaths linked to adulterants.

Oregon sets an example by demonstrating how decriminalisation and readily accessible health services result in a marked decrease in drug-related harms.

Tuari Potiki, departing chair of the NZ Drug Foundation, addresses the discriminations Māori face at the hands of New Zealand's punitive drug laws.

The narrow defeat of the referendum on the legal regulation of cannabis should not hinder long-overdue reform.

Already available results indicate an increase in the consumption of cannabis and benzodiazepines, higher prices and more online purchases.

Regulation is likely to lead to better outcomes for health, education and justice, but the bill needs to offer further clarity on issues such as potency and the role of for-benefit companies, according to legal expert.