The New Zealand Drug Foundation welcomes the introduction of the Psychoactive Substances Bill, New Zealand Drug Foundation Executive Director Ross Bell said today.
“The bill is a comprehensive and thoughtful response to what is proving to be one of the biggest challenges to drug policy makers around the world,” Mr Bell said.
“As we have seen over the past few years, these substances are causing harm in our communities and this bill will allow the Government to regulate the current Wild West scenario.
“It is right that New Zealand is at the front of the pack on new laws around emerging synthetic drugs, given that New Zealand was their birthplace."
Survey participants also reported that barriers to accessing services, resources and information were high.
A group of powerful synthetic opioids that were first detected in the country just a year ago may have already been linked to several deaths.
95% of respondents reported positive effects, in a study that looked at both prescription and black market cannabis use.