Dean welcomes ban on K2
Waitaki MP Jacqui Dean is praising the Government's decision to ban the K2 synthetic cannabis product.
K2, which is a drug substitute, is dangerous, said Mrs Dean and she is pleased Associate Health Minister Peter Dunne reacted quickly and issued a temporary class drug notice banning it from public sale.
K2 has recently caused concern in communities, particularly in the lower South Island, where it has been connected to a number of incidents including elevated heart rate, vomiting, anxiety and psychosis.
Mrs Dean said these reactions had been reported to her by a number of concerned adults.
A substance identified as EAM-2201 was found in two K2 products seized by police from a retail outlet, and are now subject to a temporary drug notice with effect on Thursday, December 6.
"Any product containing EAM-2201 must be off the market under this order which will stay in force for 12 months," she said.
Mrs Dean said the Health Ministry considered EAM-2201 a risk at least comparable to other already banned synthetic cannabis substances.
"I've been against these so-called synthetic recreational drugs since before entering Parliament and I'm happy stronger legislation is well under way to stop their sale," she said.
