Concerns legalising cannabis will increase use among young Maori...

Auckland University's Dr Hirini Kaa is already worried about numbers of Maori using the drug.

He says cannabis is quite insidious and it offers a way out of reality which can be brutal for those at the bottom of society.

But Just Speak advocate and Wellington Councillor Tamatha Paul says the current approach is far worse for Maori.

She says although the bill may not be the key to unravelling all the huge issues it is a starting place.

New Zealanders vote yes or no to the Cannabis Legalisation and Control Bill alongside this month's election.