The Government looks set to tighten up on anyone selling synethic cannabinoid substances – including making them illegal to sell to anyone under 18.
In an announcement earlier today, Associate Health Minister Peter Dunne said a number of controls are to be placed around products containing synthetic substances, producing similar effects to cannabis.
“The Expert Advisory Committee on Drugs (EACD) says it is unacceptable for products containing these substances to be widely available without controls placed on their packaging, marketing and sale, and I fully agree,” he said.
The committee has also recommended restricting all synthetic substances with cannabinomimetic effects under the Misuse of Drugs Amendment Act 2005.
Mr Dunne says he has “accepted the committees advice on this”.
In order for the committee’s advice to be implemented, an amendment Act, which allows hazardous substances to also be classified as restricted substances must be passed. This is currently before Parliament awaiting its second reading.
“The legislation will allow the Government to put in place controls to prevent the sale of these products to young people, aggressive marketing and generally cut their widespread availability.
”I have instructed the Ministry of Health to begin the process of putting the necessary controls in place. I expect these changes to come into effect next year.
”In the meantime, I am putting traders in these products on notice that it is irresponsible to market, sell or offer to sell to anyone under the age of 18.
“My advice for anyone considering using any unregulated substance is to avoid them completely,” Mr Dunne said.
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