In response to the growing use of new psychoactive substances (NPS), including products such as synthetic cannabis, the New Zealand Government passed a law in 2013 to establish a regulated legal market for ‘low-risk’ NPS. The new law attracted significant academic interest, with comments suggesting potential benefits, but also outlining possible limitations.
In this letter to the New Zealand Medical Journal, ASPIRE2025 researchers consider the possible lessons from this novel legislation for limiting supply of another drug: tobacco. In particular, we aimed to consider the relevance of aspects of this new NPS legislation to achieving the New Zealand Government’s Smokefree 2025 Goal.
Further Information
For more information or to request a copy of the letter, please contact:
Professor Nick Wilson
University of Otago, Wellington
email nick.wilson@otago.ac.nz