Submissions closed Tuesday, 20 September 2016
Summary
The National Drug Policy identifies alcohol and other drug issues as health matters that need to be addressed proportionately, compassionately and innovatively. The goal of the policy is to minimise harm from alcohol and other drugs, and to promote and protect the health and wellbeing of New Zealanders.
One of the National Drug Policy’s priority areas is ‘Getting the Legal Balance Right’. This is to ensure our drug laws, and their enforcement, effectively balance the three strategic approaches: problem limitation, demand reduction and supply control. This means considering the health and wellbeing of people who use drugs, their family and peers, and the wider community.
This discussion document seeks views on whether a revised approach to drug utensils might be more effective in achieving the goal of the National Drug Policy. In particular, the focus is on utensils that people use to take controlled drugs (eg, bongs to smoke cannabis).
Summary of submissions
Submissions on this document closed 20 September 2016. The summary of submissions notes key points made by submitters, including their views on the options for change in the discussion document. Every submitter supported changes to the regulation of drug utensils, and most criticised current arrangements.