Cannabis highs and lows: sustaining and dislocating rural communities in Northland, New Zealand.

摘要

The Northland region of New Zealand is recognised nationally as being one of the main locations involved in the production of cannabis, and it is a significant locus of consumption. This paper focuses on five key themes relating to the cannabis industry in this region: (1) issues of extent; (2) economic dependence; (3) social dislocations; (4) environmental implications, and; (5) 'territories of exclusion'. The underlying theme is the relationship of the cannabis industry with sustainability, whichis addressed with reference to issues of economic livelihood, the effect on local communities, implications of cultivation for the environment and resource management, and issues of individual and community security. The theme is that while cannabis maybe helping to sustain livelihoods, and is perhaps even generating significant returns for some, this must be balanced against a range of other effects.