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This story was originally posted on RNZ.co.nz and is being republished with permission.
One doctor has resigned her membership and others are speaking out due to the New Zealand Medical Association’s (NZMA) stance on the cannabis referendum.
The NZMA opposes the legalization of cannabis in this month’s referendum, due to the harm it can cause to individuals and the community.
He said he strongly believes that cannabis use is a major health and social problem.
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NZMA President Kate Baddock said cannabis can cause psychological harm to its users, especially the very young.
Opponents of legalization, led by the likes of Family First, have been quick to seize the NZMA’s position.
Family First has faced the debate as one between the Green Party and the Drug Foundation, against medical professionals.
Ross Giblin / Stuff
The NZMA says it has a robust policy and advocacy process with members, which informed its stance on the cannabis referendum.
But several doctors have reached out to RNZ to say that is simply not the case.
In fact, one doctor, Dr. Nina Sawicki, said she resigned from the Medical Association because of her stance.
“I decided to leave because I felt that his stance on the cannabis referendum, while not incorrect, felt that it was incomplete,” said Dr. Sawicki.
“I didn’t feel like it addressed the broader spectrum of harm that comes from current cannabis use. I felt like they took a very limited medical approach to cannabis harm.”
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In October, New Zealanders will vote in the cannabis control and legalization referendum.
He said the NZMA is not representative of the entire medical workforce in this country and that many physicians hold opposing views.
Another doctor who supports legalization and denounces the position of the Medical Association is Dr. Richard Medlicott.
“I think if you look at the evidence about use in New Zealand that can be harmful, this legislation is well written, includes protections and I hope it reduces the harm.”
Opponents of legalization say some of those provisions can be implemented without legalizing marijuana, such as better access to health services.
The NZMA said there should be civil penalties for cannabis possession, leading to counseling, education and treatment, rather than pushing people through the criminal justice system.
It would be a form of decriminalization, rather than legalization.
Dr. Medlicott disagrees with that.
“It’s kind of a rule change that really doesn’t go far enough,” Dr. Medlicott said.
“There would still be people who wanted to buy marijuana by going to pretty shady places and mingling with some pretty shady characters.
“You will still have high potency marijuana available, you will still have it among the under-20s.
“I don’t think decriminalization is the way, I think legalization has to be the best option.”
Dr Stephen Graham, medical director at WellSouth in Dunedin, supports legalization and said it will eliminate the anxiety some people feel when they need help regarding cannabis use.
He said doctors need to be more honest about whether patients are honest about cannabis habits.
“I don’t think we know if people are being open with us about it,” Dr. Graham said. “We really can’t say.
“There are still legal concerns there and it gets in the way of open discussion.”
That was repeated by Dr. Sawicki.
“It’s hard enough getting an accurate alcohol history from patients, and alcohol is legal,” said Dr. Sawicki. “People often minimize alcohol consumption until there is a climate of trust and support.
“It’s hard enough with a legal substance, but with an illegal substance I think patients are often anxious and scared to tell their doctor how much they are using.”
The Medical Association was not available for an interview, but admitted that its position is not the opinion of all doctors or all members of the NZMA.
He said he has always made it clear.
But press releases and other information shared by the NZMA make no such statement, and the doctors RNZ spoke with said not all doctors were surveyed before the association took its position.
The NZMA said it has a robust policy and advocacy process with members, which informed its position.
This story was originally posted on RNZ.co.nz and is being republished with permission.
