2nd August 2013

Psychoactive substances are now back on shelves

Just two weeks since the psychoactive substance bill was passed Team Manurewa spokesperson and Manurewa Local Board member Toa Greening purchased a “legal high” psychoactive substance from a specialty store.

“The shop assistant was very knowledgeable on the range of legal highs available and advised that the item purchased had similar effects to banned products like Kronic” says Toa Greening. The shop assistant went on to advise that a stronger product was due in on Friday. Upon inspection the packaging now lists the contents of the psychoactive substances as well as warns against existing health conditions and potential side effects such as panic attacks, paranoia and psychosis.

All members of the Health select committee were contacted to ask for an explanation on this terrible situation and why successful prohibition legislation like Irelands 2010 bill was not implemented. Only one member replied and advised that this bill was never meant to prohibit psychoactive substances, therefore Irelands 2010 bill was never considered.

On Tuesday Toa Greening marched with thousands of anti-animal testing protesters down Queen Street and agreed fully that these products should not be tested on animals. “It is disgusting that animals will die so people can get high” and is another reason why psychoactive substances must be prohibited.

“The betrayal of all New Zealanders on legalising these poisons is now complete, our parliamentarians should hang their heads in shame on supporting this evil piece of legalisation” say Toa Greening.

Team Manurewa believe that potential side effects such as panic attacks, paranoia and psychosis are high risk and totally unacceptable for our society. We are calling upon Government to urgently bring in successful prohibition legislation like Irelands 2010 Bill.

www.teammanurewa.org.nz

ENDS

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