Reclassification of bzp (Submission)

In 2004 Mr Anderton asked the Expert Advisory Committee on Drugs (EACD) to review recent New Zealand research on benzylpiperazine (BZP), the main ingredient in most party pills. The official EACD report was released by Mr Anderton on 20 December 2006. It recommended BZP be classified as C1 under the Misuse of Drugs Act alongside drugs such as cannabis. It is illegal to possess or sell Class C drugs.

Mr Anderton says he is still considering advice and options for controlling BZP, as required by the Misuse of Drug Act. He aims to complete this consideration by March and is currently seeking advice from manufacturers, retailers, researchers and the community.

The release triggered extensive media coverage. National MP Jacqui Dean urged the Minister to act immediately. Matt Bowden, on behalf of the New Zealand Social Tonics Association, said that while the EACD report had focused on risks, it lacked analysis of the benefits of safer, regulated alternatives to illegal drugs.

The stories also triggered correspondence from the public. A common thread amongst comments from current and former users was that while party pills have risks, they are no more dangerous than alcohol or tobacco. Many correspondents argued for stronger regulation such as raising the purchase age to 20, or selling party pills only through licensed retailers.

The Drug Foundation congratulated Mr Anderton for resisting pressure to make a hasty decision, and for reviewing all the evidence and consulting with the public before making a recommendation to Parliament.

The Drug Foundation supports retaining party pills in the restricted substances category, but with new and stricter regulations and enforcement, arguing tighter and improved regulations will allow Government greater control than an outright ban.

Submissions were on the reclassification were due on 23 March 2007. Below is the submission the Drug Foundation made to the Ministry of Health.