1 February 2018

Bill to crack down on synthetic cannabis drawn

A Private Members Bill by Simeon Brown, National MP for Pakuranga, has been drawn this afternoon which would crack down on the supply of synthetic cannabis.

“The Psychoactive Substances (Increasing Penalty for Supply and Distribution) Amendment Bill would increase the penalty for suppliers from a maximum of two years imprisonment to a maximum of eight years,” Mr Brown says.

“I look forward to introducing this Bill to the House. Psychoactive substances are having a harmful effect on a number of communities, and the products have become more potent than what was seen before the regulations were put in place. This requires strict penalties to deter people from producing and supplying these drugs.

“My Bill will amend the Psychoactive Substances Act to ensure that those who supply illegal psychoactive drugs onto the market face the same type of conviction as they would if they were supplying a Class C Drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975.

“We are seeing a growing number of illegal products on the market so it is important that suppliers comply with the Act and the testing regimes which have been set up to ensure the approval of these substances.

“With around 20 reported deaths associated with the consumption of psychoactive substances last year, I expect that this Bill will gain full support across Parliament and I will be talking to each party to ensure that it does.

“This Bill is necessary in order to protect our communities and young people from these harmful drugs, to deter those who are supplying them into the market, and to give Police stronger powers to crack down on suppliers.

“Ensuring that it progresses successfully through Parliament will allow us to better protect our communities and young people from these harmful drugs.”

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