Judge makes cannabis danger documentary

File photo / Northern Advocate

A departing Taranaki judge is so concerned about the impact cannabis has on youth offenders he has made a documentary showing the dangers it poses to young brains.

Youth Court Judge Rob Murfitt said he had seen the effect cannabis had on young brains while working in the courts and with Taranaki's mental health ward and wanted to do something to stop it.

The drug was "rampant" in Taranaki and most chronic offenders were users, he told the Taranaki Daily News.

The 47 minute film aims is named Hiding Behind the Green Screen and cost about $35,000 to make. It is to premiere in New Plymouth next week

It will be available free to courts, mental health services, police, schools and CYF within Taranaki.

Judge Murfitt is being transferred to Christchurch.

- NZPA