NZ Goverment bans Partypills

[renegades]

Risk-taking kiwis protest looming "party pill" ban

By Gyles Beckford and Gillian Murdoch
WELLINGTON (Reuters) - Skiing down active volcanoes is perfectly alright, so is bungy-jumping off canyons and "zorbing" down mountains in massive inflatable plastic balls.

But should risk-taking New Zealanders be allowed to pop the legal stimulants they call "party pills"?
Frenzy, Torque and D-lite may not be New Zealand's best-known inventions, but kiwi fans fighting a proposed government ban argue their legal highs are safer than many of the small country's dangerous pastimes.
"There have been 26 million party pills consumed and zero deaths," says Aucklander Matt Bowden, 36, who started the national craze that has grown into a NZ$25 (US$17) million industry over the last six years.
Bowden, chair of party pills industry body the Social Tonics Association of New Zealand (STANZ), has argued many sports should be banned before the pills are if the country is to be consistent about evaluating risk.
"You're more likely to die in a 747, or driving to work in Auckland traffic," he said.
CATTLE DRENCH
Initially synthesised by Bowden and a neuropharmacologist in 2000 to help friends break their addictions to methamphetamine, the synthetic benzylpiperazine (BZP)-based party pills have taken the country of four million by storm.
Costing $40 for a pack of four, the pills are sold everywhere from service stations and hairdressers to 24-hour party pill boutiques, and even that iconic institution of laid-back New Zealand life, the corner "dairy" or convenience store.
But BZP's unlikely pedigree -- created as a cattle drench in 1944 to kill bowel parasites in cattle -- means little was known about its effects on humans when it burst onto the social scene.
"I sometimes think the people selling them should have a sign: 'Come and queue up for your cattle drench here'," says Associate Health Minister Jim Anderton, who will report on whether the pills should be banned later this month.
Despite opposition calls for a ban, Anderton said he will not follow the example of Australia, Denmark and the United States and issue a knee-jerk prohibition before accurate information is gathered.
"I don't just turn up on a Monday morning and write down on the back of an envelope how many things I want to ban. There's a process. We have an evidence-based drug policy," he told Reuters.
RISKY BUSINESS
The runaway popularity of the pills, which affect the brain's dopamine and noradrenaline neurotransmitter systems to give an ecstasy-like high, has seen the government race to catch-up.
A June 2005 reclassification of BZP as a restricted substance prevents their sale to under-18s and restricted advertising. But it does not seem to have slowed demand for the otherwise unregulated pills.
A 2006 National Household Survey found one in five kiwis between 15 and 45 have used party pills, making them as popular as the number one illegal drug, cannabis, also used by 20 percent of the population last year.
The pills' swift, and surprising, rise from obscurity has put the government in an unusually tricky position, Anderton said.
"Normally drug makers have to prove that it is safe. Why do we have to prove it's unsafe? The onus has been reversed. It's amazing that we've got to come up with evidence that they're safe or not," he said.
Meanwhile, the National Household Survey reported that BZP levels have soared from 30-40 mg per pill to around 200 mg. And other drug experts worry that the lack of regulation means unidentified chemicals can easily creep into the pills.
"They'll put down the dose of BZP but not always other piperazines like TFMPP (Trifluoromethylphenylpiperazine,) on the label. Sometimes they just put "piperazine-blend" which is completely meaningless," said Mairead Harnett of the National Poisons Centre, who led a BZP toxicity study last year.
Harnett, whose 24-hour hotline fielded 400 calls from doctors and party pill takers over the last four years, says there is enough evidence for BZP to be reclassified as an illegal, class C, drug, because of its amphetamine-like effects.
If the government draws the same conclusion, the pills could be banned within six months. Until then, a lack of hard and fast information keeps them on shelves.
"I regard them the same as cigarettes, not particularly nice, not really good for people, but they're legal," said one central Wellington convenience store owner, who declined to be named. "I'll sell them while they're legal".
LEGAL APPEAL
Despite the risks pill-poppers are taking, some drug experts worry a BZP ban might push kiwis back to illicit drugs.
"I think users would stop using BZP and go back to cannabis, methamphetamine and ecstasy, because pharmacologically, they are better drugs than BZP," said Chris Wilkins, who led the 2006 National Household Survey of Legal Party Pill Use.
At NZ$10 per party pill -- compared to NZ$60-$80 for an ecstasy
http://news.scotsman.com/latest.cfm?id=365012007

[~lostgurl~]

Originally Posted by renegades

Associate Health Minister Jim Anderton:
"I don't just turn up on a Monday morning and write down on the back of an envelope how many things I want to ban. There's a process. We have an evidence-based drug policy," he told Reuters.

Sure you do Jimmy, it is just fortunate for us that there are policys and laws in place that prevent you from doing so without some sort of evidence.

[waxhorse]

Okay, here's the feed on that Paul Harvey site for anyone interested...I don't know how long it will be up, but I did just again find it and listen to it...

http://www.paulharvey.com/index.php

Now, if interested...go to the thurday afternoon broadcast and fast forward to the 10 minute mark...it's short...only a minute long. (I have to say tho', that the article about the chicken eating cow directly after the partypills spot was pretty entertaining!)

WH

[Alfa]

Also check this topic for information on piperazine scheduling in NZ:
HaRdCOREhARMREdUCER's Drug War Log (weekly)

[Thirdedge]

5:00AM Tuesday April 17, 2007

Party pill users face a new type of comedown after an MP launched a private member's bill yesterday to reclassify the active ingredient in the legal drug.

Launching her Misuse of Drugs (Prohibition of BZP) Amendment Bill in Invercargill yesterday, National's Otago MP Jacqui Dean said she was gobsmacked by the level of concern in the provinces about party pills.

"When I go to places like Wanganui, Gisborne or Napier the level of concern over the pills is everywhere. Originally I had thought it was just a South Island thing."

Mrs Dean initially wanted restrictions on their sale, but now "I just want them banned".

Party pills or herbal highs can be sold to people over 18 and contain the active ingredient benzylpiperazine (BZP), which has been used as a cattle wormer.

Frustrated by the Government and Associate Health Minister Jim Anderton's lack of action, Mrs Dean said her bill would see party pills in the same class as cannabis.

"BZP is an entry level into all other drugs and a gateway to P and research shows it is a dangerous drug.

"We are conditioning our children to take pills to have a good time."

She said party pills retailed for as little as $10 each, but were produced for 20c. She accepts another drug may fill the void if BZP were banned.

"If people are really comfortable taking a pill and having a few drinks now, then having a smoke of P at a party may seem safe to them. Well, it isn't."

Citing reports of children as young as 10 through to pensioners on the West Coast taking party pills, she said it was now time to act on something that was entrenching drug culture in society.

"There is no reason for the minister to delay and that is why I am not prepared to sit back."

With the support of National leader John Key, Mrs Dean said her bill was a conscientious decision and she expected support from Labour MPs.

"It isn't a political issue, it is an issue for us as a society. Last year I was calling for regulation of party pills, I now know that isn't enough. I want them banned, all or nothing."

Mrs Dean decided to launch the bill in Invercargill because of the large level of concern about party pills in the city. A petition from Invercargill MP Eric Roy received more than 1500 signatures calling for tougher rules on the sale of party pills.

The bill will prohibit the manufacture, sale and possession of BZP-based drugs by moving it from the list of restricted substances to the list of Class C controlled drugs.

Source: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/st...ectid=10434639

[Mona Lisa]

Meh, a ban now looks inevitable .

Still, new things are sure to keep coming along...at least for a while.

[01485202]

this isnt good.

swim has bzp in the post from NZ

in fairness tho, its not consistent to have it legal and mdma illegal

[~lostgurl~]

When will we see action on BZP?

31 May 2007
Press Release: New Zealand National Party
Jacqui Dean, National Party MP

When will we see action on BZP? What recommendations on banning BZP, if any, has Jim Anderton taken to Cabinet? That’s the question being asked by National MP Jacqui Dean.

“First the Associate Health Minister was going to take his recommendations to Cabinet by March and then it was no later than May. “Well Mr Anderton it’s now June – what have you done?

“BZP and party pills are a potentially life threatening. Even Mr Anderton has admitted that there are ‘severe adverse affects’ with the use of party pills. “Yet he has been dragging his heels on this issue right from the start."

“The Expert Advisory Committee on Drugs recommended last year that the common ingredients in party pills be made illegal.

“Surely after months and months of research, consultation and discussion –Jim Anderton will have been able to come up with something?”

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0705/S00785.htm

[Thirdedge]

Apparently Jacqui Dean has put her hand up for Minister in charge of drug policy, so if national get in New Zealand will be doomed. Her level of education on these issues is below that of the average child but the rest of the party can,t be bothered either way. So much for her parties core values of lack of goverment interfering in people's personal lives.

[~lostgurl~]

Party pills to be banned

28 June 2007
NZCity News

The Government is going to ban party pills.

Associate Minister of Health Jim Anderton has announced BZP and related party pills will be given a class C1 classification. It will bring fines of up to $500, or three months jail for possession of the pills, and up to eight years jail for supplying them.

Mr Anderton says the ban will be implemented via a law change and an amendment to the Misuse of Drugs Act, with legislation to go to Parliament before the end of the year. He says a six month amnesty will apply for those found in possession of BZP for personal use.

http://home.nzcity.co.nz/news/default.aspx?id=74431

[~lostgurl~]

Anderton Calls An End To Party Pill Party

Thursday, 28 June 2007
Article: Kelly Smith
Scoop Independent News

Jim Anderton, Associate Minister of Health and Leader of the Progressive Party, announced today that the cabinet had agreed to his recommendation to ban BZP and related party pills.

After the legislation is passed, BZP will be classified as Class C1 and a six month amnesty for possession or personal use will go into effect. Those who supply, manufacture, or export BZP products will be liable for a penalty of up to eight years imprisonment.

Mr Anderton expected the legislation would be passed before the end of this year.

Jim Anderton based his recommendation on evidence of the potentially toxic effects of the substance from experts and agencies including Police, Justice, Customs, and Health. “There is the potential for death or moderate to terminal harm”, he told media at a press conference this afternoon.

Officials will continue work started by the Law Commission to require manufacturers of psychoactive substances to prove they are safe before they are allowed to be sold. Currently manufacturers are not required to test their products before release. “Because they are on sale legally there is an assumption by many people—particularly young people—that they must be all right. In fact, we don’t know if they’re all right at all”, Jim Anderton said.

According to the Minister, making BZP illegal will have a precautionary effect and there should be significant decline of usage over a relatively short period of time.

A complete review of the Misuse of Drug Act has also been approved by cabinet and is to be completed by December 2008.

jim1.jpg
Associate Minister of Health Jim Anderton announcing this Afternoon that BZP is to be banned

jim2.jpeg
Jim Anderton faces media questions after announcing the banning of 'party pills'

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0706/S00379.htm


Listen to Jim Anderton's full press conference here:

http://www.drugs-forum.com/forum/loc...tid=42&lpage=1

[Thirdedge]

28th Jun 2007

Jim Anderton, Associate Minister of Health and Leader of the Progressive Party, announced today that the Cabinet had agreed to his recommendation to ban BZP and related party pills.

“At the same time, a direction has been given for officials to continue work already begun with the Law Commission to require manufacturers to prove that these types of psychoactive substances are safe before they are allowed to be sold,” Jim Anderton said. “In addition, a complete review of the Misuse of Drugs Act, which has been advocated by many in the sector for some time, has also been approved by Cabinet. This is to be completed by December 2008 and will be aimed at providing a better, more coherent and rational legal framework for the law surrounding the implementation of, and penalties for, the misuse of drugs.

“The research, analysis of submissions, advice from experts and agencies such as Police, Justice, Customs and Health all added up, in my view, to a ban and I took that recommendation to my Cabinet colleagues.

“The Expert Advisory Committee on Drugs, which has the statutory task of assessing drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Act and making recommendations to me as Minister, recommended that BZP and related substances should be classified Class C1. This means anyone supplying, manufacturing and exporting these products will be liable to a penalty of up to a maximum of eight years imprisonment.

“Cabinet was mindful that these products have been legally available for some years and, while wanting to stop both their manufacture and sale as a matter of urgency, did not wish to immediately criminalise those who may still have some of these substances in their possession for personal use.

“Those found in possession of a Class C1 drug are normally liable to a maximum of three months imprisonment and/or up to a $500 fine.

“Therefore, while a decision has been made to classify BZP as Class C1, which will stop the current legal manufacture and sale of these products, there will be an amnesty for possession for personal use for a period of six months from the date on which new legislation is passed. In effect there will be an amnesty for six months for those who are found in possession of less than five grams for their own personal use,” Jim Anderton said.

“The classification to C1, including the six month amnesty, will be made via amendments to the Misuse of Drugs legislation, rather than continuing down the affirmative resolution Order in Council process. The legislative amendment process ensures full Parliamentary scrutiny of this matter.

“Drafting instructions have been given, and as the drafting is relatively straightforward, the Bill is expected to be introduced to the House of Representatives in the very near future and I hope to see its passage before the end of 2007.”

Source: http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0706/S00564.htm

[Swimster]

here's the audio LG posted:http://www.drugs-forum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=34425

[~lostgurl~]

^^^ watch todays video news coverage for this here: http://www.drugs-forum.com/forum/loc...tid=39&lpage=1

[Lunar Loops]

Slightly misleading title as it appears to be the views of one particular doctor and some rather lame views at that (including the gateway theory applied to party pills).

This from NZ Herald:

Emergency doctors support party pill ban

An emergency medicine specialist who has previously spoken out about the dangers of party pills has welcomed today's announcement that the pills will be banned.
Party pills are to be banned, Associate Health Minister Jim Anderton has announced this afternoon.
Dr Paul Gee, an emergency doctor at Christchurch Hospital, said today he fully supported the decision to ban BZP.
"Research into BZP has shown there is a potential for fatalities associated with its use," he said.
"Public safety must always be of prime importance in considering matters related to food and drugs."
Last year Dr Gee called for a ban on the pills, claiming they were responsible for triggering psychological problems among some young people.
Some people suffered serious problems, including metabolic derangements, life-threatening seizures and even psychiatric illnesses.
He said Christchurch Hospital had encountered people under the influence of BZP who had threatened family members with weapons and one person set their own house on fire while barricaded inside.
Dr Gee said research showed the pills were a gateway to harder drugs.
Meanwhile, a doctor who led a major study of party pill use said today's decision was "a tough call" but on balance was probably the right one.
The study led by Dr Chris Wilkins, from Massey's Centre for Social and Health Outcomes (SHORE), was published last year and cited by both proponents and opponents of a ban to back their arguments.
It identified levels and patterns of use and demographics of users, their use of other drugs, and any harm or problems associated with use. It also gauged availability and measured levels of dependency.
A random survey of 2010 people aged 13 to 45 years last year found that one in five had tried legal party pills and two in five (40 per cent) of 18 to 29-year-olds.

Men were more likely to have tried them than women (24 per cent, compared with 17 per cent) and Maori were more likely to have tried them than non-Maori (26 per cent compared with 19 per cent).
Dr Wilkins was surprised at the numbers.
" Our survey indicated that party pills were the fourth most widely used drug in New Zealand after alcohol, tobacco and cannabis. That was unheard of in any other country," he said.
While most users reported fairly minor problems, a small number of users had experienced serious problems and had been admitted to hospital intensive care units with potentially life-threatening conditions.
Mr Anderton also today said moves were under way to make manufacturers of drugs prove they were safe to use before they could be sold.
He also announced a review of the more than 30-year-old Misuse of Drugs Act.
Mr Anderton told reporters today that Cabinet had agreed to his recommendation to prepare legislation to ban BZP and related party pills.
The legislation would "place a ban on the manufacture, supply, sale, export or import of BZP-based products, commonly known as party pills or herbal highs," he said.
The Expert Advisory Committee on Drugs, which was tasked with assessing drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Act, had recommended BZP and related substances should be classified as Class C1.
"This means that anyone supplying, manufacturing, exporting or importing these products will be liable to a penalty of a maximum of up to eight years in prison."
Those found in possession of a Class C1 drug were normally liable to a maximum of three months' jail and/or up to a $500 fine.
However, Mr Anderton said there would be an amnesty for possession of up to five grams -- or 100 tablets -- for personal use for a period of six months from the date legislation giving effect to the ban was passed into law.
Mr Anderton said he could have used regulations -- with a 28-day lead-in time -- to put the ban in place but had opted instead to take legislation to Parliament, which would go through the usual select committee process, to ensure the ban would not be held up through judicial review.
The retailing of party pills was a $35 million a year industry, and suppliers and takers of the pills were being put on notice today of the changes.
He said the classification of party pills to Class C1, including the amnesty, would be made in amendments to the Misuse of Drugs Act.
He hoped to introduce the legislation soon and wanted it passed into law by Christmas.
Mr Anderton is well known for his opposition to drugs but he said he had made his recommendations to Cabinet on the basis of evidence.
Advice from the Expert Advisory Committee on Drugs (EACD) was that BZP -- even in low doses -- could result in seizures and severe toxicity in some individuals, he said.
"While there has been no evidence of death resulting from BZP on its own, the EACD noted it "could have toxic effects including hyper-tremor, sodium deficiency caused by excessive water intake and BZP-related grand mal seizures and that, while rare, both have the potential to lead to death."
Products containing BZP are said to mimic the effects of amphetamines and ecstasy, with common effects being euphoria, energy, enhanced senses and alertness. Other adverse effects include insomnia, headaches, nausea and anxiety.
Mr Anderton felt that users of party pills would not turn to drugs like ecstasy but that usage would decline once they had been better educated about the "nasty" effects of such drugs.
There was a possibility users would "stockpile" party pills before they were made illegal but he hoped the industry would phase out its operations in the lead-up.
He said Ministry of Health officials were being directed to work with the Law Commission to require manufacturers of these kind of "psychoactive substances" to prove these were safe before they are allowed to go on sale.
Currently, manufacturers could put products for sale and government agencies had to prove these were not safe but the onus of proof was being reversed.
Young people seemed to think that because drugs like party pills were sold legally, they were assumed to be safe.
"In fact, we don't know that they're all right at all."
Mr Anderton said the review of the Misuse of Drugs Act would be done by September 2008.
Both National and United Future said the process to ban BZP had taken too long.
United Future MP Judy Turner said she expected BZP to be driven underground which could see dosage levels raised putting users at greater risk.
She also believed a vacuum would be created by banning BZP which would be filled by another "legal high" with a different chemical composition.
National MP Jacqui Dean welcome the move to ban BZP but said the process had taken "far too long".
Recommendations to ban BZP had been made by the Expert Advisory Committee on Drugs last year and Mr Anderton had promised to make his decision by March, and then by May before finally announcing it today, she said.

[Alfa]

Originally Posted by shroomonger

She also believed a vacuum would be created by banning BZP which would be filled by another "legal high" with a different chemical composition.

Vacuum is quite an understatement. Millions of BZP party pills have been sold. Pretty soon there will be a money hungry industry in need of something. Anything really. And whatever that anything will be, will be consumed by many. I really hope the NZ party pill suppliers will come up with something relatively safe. Cause if it's anything like Desoxypipradrol for example, people will be dropping like flies and that will be the end of party pills within and outside NZ.

[Beeker]

It's dark humor that SWIM has come to the conclusion that growing up with evething illegal means no freedoms were taken ... SWIM just made is own rules.

[~lostgurl~]

Outcry over government decision to outlaw party pills

29 June 2007
TV3 News

The government’s announcement yesterday that BZP based party pills will be illegal by the end of the year has caused a nationwide outcry.

Party pill users, drug experts, professors and the Green Party are among those voicing their concern at the negative effects this legislation will have.

Auckland University’s Dr Bruce Russell is one of only a handful of experts who have researched BZP and he says there is no hard evidence that party pills are harmful.

Dr Russell is also dubious of the studies the government relied on to make the decision to turn party pill users into criminals.

Retailers say customers around the country are railing against the ban with over 1,000 signatures collected on a petition at just one Auckland store.


See the news video clip here:

http://www.drugs-forum.com/forum/loc...tid=39&lpage=1

[radiometer]

“Because they are on sale legally there is an assumption by many people—particularly young people—that they must be all right. In fact, we don’t know if they’re all right at all”

If I did not frequent internet discussion forums I'd be inclined to disagree with that statement. However, I see it confirmed every day in posts on various boards. I have asked people specifically why they would take drugs which they did not know the contents of (i.e. DOMS), and one cosistent answer has been that if the stores sell them, they must be safe.

Regarding the "gateway" theory, this is another which I must agree with in a way. People are probably taking party pills, realizing they like getting high, and going on to other, illegal, drugs which have more desirable highs and less side effects!

Vacuum is quite an understatement. Millions of BZP party pills have been sold. Pretty soon there will be a money hungry industry in need of something. Anything really. And whatever that anything will be, will be consumed by many. I really hope the NZ party pill suppliers will come up with something relatively safe. Cause if it's anything like Desoxypipradrol for example, people will be dropping like flies and that will be the end of party pills within and outside NZ.

Very insightful comments, alfa.

[~lostgurl~]

Misuse of Drugs Amendment Bill introduced

22 August 2007
Press Release: New Zealand Government

Hon Jim AndertonMinister of Agriculture, Minister for Biosecurity
Minister of Fisheries, Minister of Forestry
Associate Minister of Health
Associate Minister for Tertiary Education
Progressive Leader

Associate Minister of Health and Leader of the Progressive Party Jim Anderton has announced the introduction of the Misuse of Drugs (Classification of BZP) Amendment Bill to in the House today.

“I am pleased to announce that the Bill to ban BZP and related party pills has been given sufficient cross-party support to be introduced, progressed, and in force by Christmas,” Jim Anderton said.

"The Bill has a commencement date of 18 December 2007, which means, if it is passed without alteration by Parliament, BZP will be banned from that date. Therefore, anyone supplying, manufacturing and exporting these products will be liable to a penalty of up to a maximum of eight years imprisonment from 18 December 2007,” Jim Anderton said.

Those found in possession of a Class C1 drug are normally liable to a maximum of three months imprisonment and/or up to a $500 fine.

“However, Cabinet was mindful that these products have been legally available for some years, so the Bill includes provision for an amnesty for possession of less than five grams for personal use. With a commencement date of 18 December 2007 the amnesty will be up on 17 June 2008," Jim Anderton said.

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0708/S00382.htm

[Euphoric]

Jun 28, 2007 10:01 PM
There are concerns a move to ban party pills and classify them as a Class C1 drug - the same categorisation as cannabis - will create a blackmarket and push people to use harder drugs


The government is drafting legislation that will amend the Misuse of Drugs Act to ban BZP and related party pills, which are currently available for sale to those over 18.


"It's not really an option to do nothing. Once you're told by clinical experts that what's being sold at the corner dairy can kill people, and you know...how do you un- know that," says Associate Health Minister Jim Anderton, who has championed the move.


Possession of the pills will lead to a $500 fine or three months in jail and anyone supplying or manufacturing BZP products could face eight years jail.


The move to ban the pills follows a recommendation from the expert advisory committee on drugs but the party pill industry says it will drive people back to more dangerous substances.


"Our concern is that, we know from the available research that up 50 to 60,000 people have moved across from harmful drugs - like P - to party pills and our concern is they'll return to more dangerous drugs," says Matt Bowden from the Social Tonics Association.


He also believes it will force the industry underground.


"What does happen if you make it illegal is you do create a black market and you lose all your quality control," says Bowden.


The Green Party agrees.


Green MP Metiria Turei says a move to prohibition is foolhardy and will create an illegal market. She says there are health issues relating to all drugs, but the way to counter them is through strong regulation on their sale and use, not force them underground.


The Drug Foundation is also questioning the value in banning the pills.
Executive Director Ross Bell says you can't hide the fact many New Zealanders do take drugs and this could sway their choice. He says making party pills illegal could influence people to take harder banned substances.


Bell says tighter regulations would be a far better idea for the government to control the use of BZP.


But Anderton says he is confident making BZP illegal won't create a black market or lead to increased use of other drugs such as methamphetamine.



He says recent research on university students gave an overwhelming result that students are wise enough to know methamphetamine is a dangerous drug.


"If you don't take action and a 14, 15,16-year-old dies tomorrow from taking taking BZP what do you think the headlines will be to government inaction. They'll be pretty significant. That's why we've got to take action now," says Anderton.


The author of a report into party pill use in New Zealand says banning BZP is the right thing to do.


Dr Chris Wilkins from Massey's Centre for Social and Health Outcomes (SHORE) published a study in 2006 into the use of party pills.


The random survey of 2010 people aged 13 to 45 years found that 20% had tried legal party pills and 40% of 18 to 29-year-olds.


Wilkins was surprised at the numbers of people who had tried party pills, saying initial estimates were closer to 5% than 20%.


"There has been no research on the long-term effects of BZP or the role BZP may play in psychological illness. Consequently, there was a strong case for stricter regulation of the use and sale of party pills and on balance a ban appears to be the low-risk decision. It will be interesting to see if a blackmarket develops and the extent to which the authorities can control any criminal trade that develops," says Wilkins.


Alongside the decision to reclassify party pills, it has also been announced that there will be a complete review the Misuse of Drugs Act.

http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/425826/1206863

[Euphoric]

[top]Banning BZP not the Answer, say Youthline

Friday, 19 October 2007, 2:45 pm
Banning BZP not the Answer, say Youthline


Youthline says the wellbeing of young people is being forgotten in the debate on banning BZP party pills.


According to Youthline, the current bill to ban piperazine based pills does not address problems around the use of party pills.


“Young people get into trouble when they misuse party pills by taking too many or by mixing them with other drugs,” says Youthline National Spokesperson Stephen Bell.


Youthline say they are concerned that banning BZP will not affect drug use, as retailers have already prepared new lines of replacement pills. New drugs will simply take the place of BZP, making the law change ineffective, they say.


Youthline recommends limiting sale to restricted specialist outlets, where safety information can be provided and age restrictions properly enforced, alongside continued research into BZP and its effects.


“What is most important is focusing on harm minimization as opposed to criminalizing thousands of young people who are either not likely to change their behaviour just because the law changes or will seek out uncontrolled, illegal drugs instead,” says Bell.


A 2006 report from the Centre for Social and Health Outcomes Research and Evaluation shows that half of BZP users also report taking illegal drugs.

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0710/S00290.htm

[Zaprenz]

Youthline say they are concerned that banning BZP will not affect drug use, as retailers have already prepared new lines of replacement pills. New drugs will simply take the place of BZP, making the law change ineffective, they say.

...and soon every country will have a analogue law like the USA. Pushing such use of recreational stimulants further and further underground and uncontrolled.

[Euphoric]

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0710/S00372.htm

Local plea to outlaw party pills25 October 2007


Outlaw the manufacture, sale, supply and possession of BZP and other related party pills as soon as possible.


That was the message delivered to the Health Select Committee yesterday by Daniel Newman, who along with Angela Dalton successfully challenged the right of a Manurewa liquor retailer to sell party pills in July this year.


“Banning the sale and supply of party pills is very important. The Misuse of Drugs (Classification of BZP) Amendment Bill needs to be passed into law because we need to prevent benzylpiperazine (BZP), phenylpiperazine, and related substances, which constitute the active ingredients in the majority of party pills, from being traded in our community and consumed by our young people.


“The Expert Advisory Committee on Drugs has considered the research available on BZP and advised the Associate Minister of Health that BZP and other related substances pose a moderate risk of harm. Every day that party pills are purchased and consumed constitutes another day when people jeopardise their health and well-being,” Daniel Newman said.


The submission presented to the Health Select Committee was lodged in the name of the Manurewa Action Team, which has been campaigning to outlaw party pills.



Although the submission supports the passage of the Bill, it also recommends an amendment to remove an amnesty provision.


“We oppose clause 6 of the Bill, which provides for a six-month amnesty after the law comes into force, during which time it would not be an offence to possess for personal use less than 5 grams of 100 flakes, tablets, capsules, or other drug forms each containing some quantity of the drug. It we are going to get rid of party pills we have to have zero tolerance of BZP, phenylpiperazine and other related substances. That needs to start the day the law receives Royal Assent, not six months down the track.


“People know the days where one can legally supply and possess party pills are numbered. Earlier this year our successful campaign to prevent the sale of party pills in a Manurewa liquor outlet received national publicity. Moves by the Manukau District Licensing Agency to challenge other liquor retailers have been widely reported. The government’s policy view on this matter is well known.


“An amnesty provision is unnecessary and sends mixed messages to people who need to know that it’s not acceptable to possess those particular types of drugs. The Bill needs to be passed into law, but no amnesty provision should apply,” Daniel Newman said.

[~lostgurl~]

Party pills banned in overwhelming vote

13 March 2008
Stuff News

Party pills containing benzylpiperazine (BZP) will be banned from next month after a bill outlawing the active ingredient passed a parliamentary vote tonight.

The bill passed 109 to 11 with only the Green, Maori and Act parties opposing.

The Misuse of Drugs (Classification of BZP) Amendment Act is effective from April 1 and classifies pills containing BZP as a class C drug – the same level of classification as cannabis. There would be an amnesty for people who had the pills for personal use which would last six months.

Green MP Metiria Turei said providers were not being given time to comply with the law considering they had to reconfigure businesses and in some cases fire staff. She had tried, but failed, to extend the period. Ms Turei was critical of the bill's sponsor Associate Health Minister Jim Anderton and described him as a "Muldoon Mini Me" for deciding to change the law but not allowing time to adjust.

It was "utterly irrational" to think outlawing the pills would eliminate their use, she said. Ms Turei said police struggled to control young people buying legal drugs like tobacco. Now the pills would be sold illegally with no way to inform users about the risks. She said controls could have been put in place under the 2005 amendment to the Misuse of Drugs Act but it was politically useful for there to be no controls. "He (Mr) Anderton put our young people at risk to meet his own political objectives."

Maori MP Hone Harawira said Mr Anderton was a kill-joy and he thought it ridiculous to ban the pills when tobacco and alcohol remained legal. He said there was not enough evidence behind the ban.

ACT MP Heather Roy doubted the legislation would make any difference.

Associate Health Minister Damien O'Connor said the Expert Advisory Committee on Drugs found BZP posed a moderate risk of harm. He said there had been two public consultations on the bill as well as extensive debate in the media which justified the implementation date. "No one in this industry in my view is able to claim that there has not been sufficient warning of this ban." Originally the bill was expected to pass last year so the industry had warning well in advance. I believe that party pills will virtually disappear from New Zealand following the enactment of this bill," Mr O'Connor said.

National MP Jacqui Dean supported the bill but said there was no reason to wait until April 1. She said Mr Anderton had taken too long to act and the market had grown in the meantime.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/4438250a6160.html