Proposed Reform of Misuse of Drugs Act Well Overdue

Proposed Reform of Misuse of Drugs Act Well Overdue Says Bowden

For immediate release

Stargate co-founder Matt Bowden welcomed confirmation from Associate Minister of Health Hon Peter Dunne that the Government supported the Law Commission’s recommendations on a regulatory regime for new psychoactives, and is working to put in place such a regime.

“Last night the Minister said that he would be introducing further regulatory controls on synthetic cannabinoids to those in place for restricted substances by Supplementary Order Paper to the Misuse of Drugs Amendment Bill. That’s a good start, but what I really want to see is the Government getting on and enacting the Law Commission’s regulatory regime for new psychoactives.”

Mr Bowden said he agreed with Minister Dunne that amendments to the current Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 were a stopgap at best, and the sooner the new regulatory regime was in place the better.

Mr Bowden said that implementing the Law Commission’s recommendations was in the best interests of both consumers and the industry.

“Rigorous regulation will keep the cowboys out of the industry and establish high standards. I am strongly in favour of establishing such standards. They will ensure consumers can choose from a range of safe products.”

A summary of how a new psychoactive would come to market if the Government adopts the Law Commission’s recommendations is attached. [HOW_A_NEW_DRUG_WOULD_COME_TO_MARKET.doc]

ENDS

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