FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dunne Makes Right Decision on Synthetic Cannabis
Matt Bowden, co-founder of Stargate International, is delighted by the announcement of Associate Minister of Health, Hon
Peter Dunne, that cannabinomimetics, or synthetic cannabis, are to be made a restricted substance under the Misuse of
Drugs Amendment Act 2005.
Although the risk of harm from cannabinomimetics is relatively low, Mr Bowden supports the decision to place
restrictions on their sale. “Minister Dunne has made the right call by moving to prevent the sale of cannabinomimetics
to those under 18. I am also pleased to see that the advertisement, packaging and sale of cannabinomimetics will be
regulated to protect the public.
Cannabinomimetics are exactly the sort of low-risk product for which the restricted substances category was designed.”
Mr Bowden said that many New Zealanders from different cultures enjoy the responsible use of substances other than
alcohol.
“Criminalising those New Zealanders would have been discriminatory,” Mr Bowden said. “It is both fair and in the
interests of public health that cannabinomimetics and alcohol are regulated in a similar way.
“This is a move away from prohibition, and towards an evidence-based drug policy.”
ENDS