Simon Bridges National MP simonbridges.co.nz

During the last few weeks I have spoken to a number of people, who hold concern about psychoactive substances – also known as synthetic cannabis – and its impact on our community.

I thought it would be useful to lay out the Government's position on these substances and what we've been doing to reduce its corrosive effects on society.

In July 2013, Parliament passed the Psychoactive Substances Bill with an overwhelming majority of 119 to one. The Bill implemented severe restrictions on what was a previously unregulated product including:

• Banning all substances that pose more than a ‘low risk of harm' to the user.
• Restricting where and how they can be sold.
• Restricting the sale to people over the age of 18.
• Banning their sale at dairies, convenience and grocery stores, service stations and liquor outlets.
• Introducing specific criteria licence holders must meet and adhere to.
• Setting strict controls around the importation, manufacturing and the active ingredients.

Since the Bill came into force the number of retail outlets has dropped from an estimated 3000-4000 to about 150. The number of products available has reduced from an estimated 200-300 to less than 50. The high-profile Kronic, Kryptonite, and K2 products are all banned.

The remaining products and licence holders are now subject to strict ongoing scrutiny by police and district health boards to ensure they are complying with the law.

I know many people in Tauranga want the Government to ban these products completely, and I understand this point of view. However, the experience in other countries is outright prohibition does not work; it simply drives the use underground, where these products are not regulated or tested at all.

This would do nothing to protect and minimise the risk to individuals who choose to use these substances.

This Bill was carefully scrutinised and debated in Parliament, and there is a reason it received such overwhelming cross-party support.

The Bill also empowers local councils to draft locally-approved product policies to regulate where and when psychoactive products may be sold in their communities. This could include banning them from areas such as near schools, health services and places of worship.

The Tauranga City Council is currently looking at developing a LAPP; and I look forward to working with them to find the best solution for our community.