CANNABIS IN SCHOOLS - ISSUES FOR PRINCIPALS AND BOARDS

This qualitative study examines how ten schools in Auckland, New Zeala nd, managed cannabis-related incidents and the related issues for boar ds and principals. 'Unspecified' suspensions were commonly given. Subs equent approaches differed with some schools taking a health focus and others being strictly punitive. Issues influencing the management of cannabis-related incidents included student safety, staff workload, la ck of resources and external support, parental expectations and school reputation and marketability. Cannabis use in school was considered r elated to wider societal issues and,for some students, to more general behavioural problems. More discerning use of indefinite suspension an d resources for collaborative initiatives between schools and their lo cal communities are recommended.