Statement by Matt Bowden Concerning Temporary Class Drug Notice

For immediate release

Matt Bowden announced today that neither he nor his company would be involved in the import and manufacture of synthetic cannabinoid products in the future.

“The Government’s decision to ban synthetic cannabinoids will send the legal high industry to a place I don’t want to go,” said Mr Bowden.

Mr Bowden said that while the synthetic cannabinoids his company had imported were safe and had never caused a single reported fatality, consumers would be much safer if they had been properly regulated as restricted substances under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

“The Government has said it will now play regulatory cat and mouse with these products. That means fly-by-night products with short production runs, low safety standards and still no regulations. I don’t want any part of that. I was heading in the opposite direction towards product screening, routine safety tests and restricted outlets,” said Mr Bowden

Mr Bowden said that it was disappointing that the Government had passed up the chance to regulate synthetic cannabinoids when it had the chance.

“The Government received a recommendation from the EACD last year to make synthetic cannabinoids a restricted substance, which would have placed a range of restrictions on how those products were sold, such as limiting their sale to over-18s and controlling where they can be sold and how they are advertised. The Government should have acted faster to control the sale of synthetic cannabinoids.”

Mr Bowden welcomed the confirmation from the Prime Minister Hon John Key and Associate Health Minister Hon Peter Dunne that the Government would be working to implement the Law Commission’s recommendations on regulating new psychoactives.

“I may continue with non-alcoholic alternatives when the Government gets the regulation for new drugs right. Until then, I am going to work on lobbying worldwide for safer drug policies, finishing my epic rock album, working with new artists, getting my live show out. The papers have said that I do put on the best parties in the country at my rock concerts, so I will continue doing just that: cross-pollinating theatre, rock, circus, opera and dance parties into a really good night out.”

ENDS

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