Pubdate: Tue, 22 Feb 2005
Source: North Shore Times Advertiser (New Zealand)
Copyright: 2005, Independent Newspapers Limited
Contact:  http://www.stuff.co.nz/inl/index/0,1008,0a1500,FF.html
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2238
Author: Haley Lynch
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

'LAUGHING GAS' SALE COULD BE CURBED

A Proposed New Law Could Restrict The Sale Of Nitrous Oxide As A 
Recreational Drug.

A North Shore Times story revealed that dairies and adult shops are selling 
small canisters of the substance, designed for whipping cream, as a cheap 
high to youngsters.

The Health Select Committee is considering changes to the Misuse of Drugs 
Act 1975.

The changes would allow for the regulation of substances assessed by the 
Expert Advisory Committee on Drugs (EACD) as 'low risk', but still worthy 
of some form of control.

The Health Ministry's chief public health adviser Ashley Bloomfield says 
nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is a substance that could be 
considered for regulation under the new laws.

This would include the age of sale and supply, advertising, labelling and 
signage.

The new legislation is particularly aimed at 'party pills' which contain 
benzylpiperazine (BZP), derived from the pepper plant.

At present 'low risk' substances, like nitrous oxide, fall outside the 
Misuse of Drugs framework.

There is class A, which carries a very high risk of harm, class B, which 
carries a high risk of harm, and class C, which carries a moderate risk of 
harm.

Ms Bloomfield says the nitrous oxide sold in whipping cream canisters is 
classified under the Food Act 1981 as a food additive rather than a medicine.

This makes it legal for places like dairies and adult stores to sell it.

She says the ministry discourages the misuse of all substances, including 
nitrous oxide.

It encourages retailers and the public to be aware of the potential risks 
involved in inhaling the substance.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom