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."
New Zealand is losing three people a week to preventable overdose, while hospitalisations from stimulants like methamphetamine and cocaine are increasing alongside a recent surge in consumption.
Our annual report compiling coronial and hospitalisation data.
There is common ground among parties on reducing drug harms and supporting addiction treatment, suggesting progress can be made in the next term.