Policy & Advocacy

Drugs can cause social, health and economic harms, and the ongoing cost to individuals, whānau and communities is high.

Our current drug laws are no longer fit for purpose, and do not address those harms. We want the government to take a more compassionate approach to drugs, and to support people who are struggling instead of punishing them. 

The Drug Foundation has been at the forefront of major alcohol and other drug policy debates for over 30 years. During that time, we have relentlessly advocated for evidence-based policies and practices that will reduce drug harm and build a healthy society. We work closely with government agencies and the wider health sector to develop and promote best-practice solutions. 

This section highlights some of our current policy areas. A key focus for us right now is advocating for drug use to be treated as a heath issue, not a criminal one. We are also advocating for responsible regulation of cannabis ahead of the 2020 referendum.