Drugs and Rates

Synthetic Cannabis

A couple of months ago I drew peoples attention to the fact that so called legal highs such a Kronic, Tokeroa, Spice which are herbs sprayed with synthetic cannabis and mimic the effects of marijuana are being sold in most diaries, mostly to school children.

I wanted to draw the public’s attention to this as most parents had no idea that these products are so readily available and in fact have no age restriction on the sale of them whatsoever –something I was not aware of this until I spoke to the office of the Associate Minister of Health Peter Dunne.

The Associate Minister is now recommending tightening up on the availability of “legal herbal highs” by imposing an age limit of eighteen years on buyers and restricting advertising.

Since I raised this matter, I have had a number of people approach me with horror stories of harmful effects their children have suffered as a result of smoking Kronic and other synthetic cannabinoids.

Now, National Poisons Centre toxicologist Leo Schep confirms what parents have been telling me. Young people are reported to be suffering from increased heart rate, paranoia, tight chest, vomiting and psychosis.

These drugs need to be banned, not just have an age restriction imposed on its sale. They are banned in the UK, France, Germany, Finland, Australia, many states in the US and other countries we compare ourselves to. If you feel strongly about this please contact your local MP and ask them to take action to do just that.

Rates

There are two rate increases being imposed on ratepayers of the former Manukau City. First, the proposed rates increase of 4.9% and secondly an increase of 4.5% on the wastewater charges, an additional rate on all households.

Both increases are above the rate of inflation. In order to keep rates to the proposed 4.9% the Auckland Council will need to identify savings of $43.6 million or borrow that amount. I am against additional borrowings. The Council already pays interest of $191 million per year on money borrowed.

Council needs to find savings in its budget so that the ratepayers who already face increased costs for food, electricity, petrol and GST are not burdened further. When times are tough, every household and business in the country looks for ways to cut costs. Council needs to do the same.

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