Pubdate: Mon, 10 Nov 2014
Source: Press, The (New Zealand)
Copyright: 2014 Fairfax New Zealand Limited
Contact:  http://www.press.co.nz/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/349
Page: 5

STUDY TARGETS NZ'S LEGAL HIGH ERA

New Zealand's abandoned experiment with legal highs will be the 
subject of an international survey of drug use.

The annual Global Drug Survey, launched in New Zealand today, is 
expected to attract more than 100,000 participants. It will examine 
drug use across 20 countries - and New Zealand's short-lived scheme 
for regulated legal highs will be a key focus.

"We'll take a close look at New Zealand and see what has happened to 
the use of traditional weed now that once-legal synthetic versions 
have at least for the near future been withdrawn from sale," survey 
founder and British-based consultant psychiatrist Adam Winstock said.

A regulated market for synthetic cannabis was established here in 
July last year.

Substances marketed as legal alternatives to cannabis were licensed 
for sale but authorities had the power to remove anything deemed unsafe.

The scheme prompted international interest but was abandoned this 
year after widespread concern about the dangerous effect of some substances.

Winstock said New Zealand came out ahead of all countries in last 
year's survey for the rates of synthetic cannabis users seeking 
emergency medical treatment after using them.

"Was it a surprise? Not really," Winstock said.

"When one set of synthetic cannabinoids is regulated for, there's a 
whole fresh truckful waiting to be dissolved in acetone, sprayed with 
damiana and lettuce leaf, dried, packaged and sold for a hefty profit."

It was estimated that the risk of seeking emergency medical treatment 
after using synthetic cannabis was at least 30 times higher than with 
natural cannabis, he said.

It appeared some people preferred to use synthetic cannabis because 
it was cheaper, he said.

Legislation banning synthetic cannabis was rushed through Parliament 
in May and shop shelves were cleared of the products overnight.

It is expected that Kiwis who take the survey will help shed light on 
how people respond to changes in the law, which could help other 
countries settle on their policies.

The survey will also examine the risks of dependency, problems with 
withdrawal, and the health risks or benefits of using synthetic 
cannabis, rather than natural cannabis.

The global survey, in its fourth year, examines how people around the 
world are using different kinds of drugs, including alcohol, cannabis 
and even laughing gas.

Alongside other media organisations like Britain's Guardian and the 
Huffington Post, Stuff.co.nz is a media partner for the survey, 
encouraging readers to take part and publishing the results next June.

Fairfax NZ
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom