Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026
07:30
Brain Morphology of Cannabis Users With or Without Psychosis: A Pilot MRI Study
Published on: August 18, 2020
Marijuana use in New Zealand, 1990 and 1998
1Alcohol & Public Health Research Unit, University of Auckland.
The New Zealand Medical Journal
|October 6, 2001
Summary
Marijuana use increased slightly in New Zealand
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Substance Use Research
Background:
- Understanding trends in illicit drug use is crucial for public health.
- Monitoring marijuana use patterns provides insights into societal changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze changes in marijuana consumption between 1990 and 1998.
- To compare marijuana use trends in metropolitan versus provincial/rural areas of New Zealand.
Main Methods:
- Two random sample surveys were conducted in Auckland and Bay of Plenty.
- Computer-assisted telephone interviewing was used for participants aged 15-45 years.
- Data were collected in 1990 and 1998.
Main Results:
- Marijuana use in the past year rose from 18% to 22% in the metropolitan sample, but not in the provincial area.
- Ever trying marijuana increased from 43% to 52% overall.
- A trend towards more frequent use (≥10 times/month) was observed, from 2.4% to 3.2%.
Conclusions:
- Marijuana experience was more common in 1998, with small increases in recent use concentrated in metropolitan areas.
- Overall marijuana use remained limited, with predominantly casual and social patterns.
- The age of first marijuana use appeared to decrease during the study period.
