BZP debate back in parliament today (NZ)

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A new entry has been added to Drugs Archive

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2 mins
24 Oct 2007
TV3 NZ

Two voices from opposite sides of the party pill debate are set to tell a Parliamentary select committee today why they should - and should not - be banned.

The health committee is on the final day of submissions on making BZP a class C drug, the same class as cannabis.

The Social Tonics Association's Matt Bowden is expected to say why he believes BZP should remain legal while the Drug Foundation welcomes the move to ban the drug.

Regardless of what the committee recommends, Parliament has to debate the proposed law again.

Today was the last chance for the public to have a say on the bill to ban BZP party pills.

Almost all those appearing before a health select committee today oppose the bill, preferring regulation instead of prohibition.

But the bill is still likely to become law by Christmas.

But those who sell them claim the ban is pointless because other alternatives will become more available.

One retailer told MPs there are so many pills out there that stockpiles could keep users going for up to ten years.

And even the drug foundation says regulation - making buying them harder, is a better option than a complete ban.

No-one has died in NZ as a direct result of BZP, though hospitals regularly admit party pill users suffering from side effects.

But an expert advisory committee on drugs found BZP causes a moderate risk to health and recommended it be made it illegal.


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