Authority refuses approval for six psychoactive products

Media statement September 27, 2013

Authority refuses approval for six psychoactive products

The Psychoactive Substances Regulatory Authority has refused applications for six products seeking interim approvals under the new Psychoactive Substances Act.

The products refused approval are the psychoactive product G-13, three Kronic brand products (Kronic Skunk, Kronic Tropical Explosion and Kronic Pineapple Express) and two Kryptonite branded products (Kryptonite Green and Kryptonite Red).

The manager of the Psychoactive Substances Regulatory Authority, Dr Donald Hannah, says the six products were all assessed to pose more than a low risk of harm.

"The applicants cannot now import, manufacture, wholesale or retail these six products. The product that is out there must be recalled."

Dr Hannah says the Authority has reviewed reports of adverse reactions from a range of sources including the National Poisons Centre and hospital emergency departments.

"Such adverse effects are being monitored on an on-going basis and the Authority will also act to remove any currently approved interim products should there be concern."

The Authority has used a risk-scoring framework based on the severity of adverse reactions to determine if products pose more than a low risk of harm to users.

Monitoring of adverse reactions is being carried out by the National Poisons Centre and the Centre for Adverse Reaction Monitoring (CARM).

"We also encourage all health professionals to report any adverse reactions they observe to CARM."

Dr Hannah says the Authority, in conjunction with Police and public health units, is also actively monitoring compliance with the Psychoactive Substances Act, including by those retailers granted interim licences.

“We encourage any members of the public, who have any concerns to contact the Police, and the Ministry of Health - anonymous information can also be provided by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111”

He says the Act has removed psychoactive products from sale in dairies and conveniences stores as part of the Act's purpose of reducing harm, and the remaining retailers are now able to be monitored, which was not previously feasible.

The Authority estimates that following implementation of the transitional scheme which prohibited sale of psychoactive products from dairies, the total number of retail outlets selling psychoactive products has substantially decreased.

From around an estimated 3 to 4 thousand psychoactive substance retailers prior to the Act, around 110 retail licences have been issued to date.

The Act allows for the refusal of products to be appealed.


ENDS

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