Getting synthetic cannabis off our streets

Labour is to introduce legislation to remove synthetic cannabis and other psychoactive substances from sale immediately, Labour Leader David Cunliffe says.

“I am not going to let unsafe products be sold to our young people. These drugs are clearly harmful and addictive, yet they are being sold, legally and cheaply, in communities across New Zealand.

 “We have all seen the horror stories of the effects these drugs are having on young people.

“Labour warned at the time the Psychoactive Substances Act was passed that it was being rushed and mistakes were likely to be made.

“Failing to put the safety testing regime for these products in place means that is exactly what has happened. The Government promised that untested and potentially dangerous products would not be sold legally.

“But they are still available and New Zealanders won’t stand for it any more.

“These drugs are a scourge on our communities. National has failed to fix this problem; Labour is not prepared to wait any longer.

“We are putting forward legislation that will remove all psychoactive substances from shop shelves immediately. I call on all parties to support it.

“This law will put a stop to the sale of all synthetic cannabis and other psychoactive drugs currently being sold. Labour will not allow these products to be sold again unless they pass a very stringent safety testing regime, and we won’t permit animal testing,” David Cunliffe said.

Follow the campaign at labour.org.nz/NoSynthetics

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