Dunne moves to instantly test new K2 products

Photo / Dean Purcell

Samples of the new K2 synthetic cannabis products that hit the market today have been purchased by the Government for testing.

Associate Health Minister Peter Dunne said he had instructed officials this morning to buy samples of the new K2 products for testing immediately as they showed up in stores.

"It is a cat-and-mouse game for now and if the industry wants to play it, we will play it too until we get the Psychoactive Substances Bill into law in August to fix this situation.

A reformulated version of K2 hit the market today, twos days after the older version of the synthetic cannabis product had to be removed from sale.

"I want the testing done as quickly as possible. No one can have any confidence in the integrity of those behind these products."

Mr Dunne said producers were out to make a fast buck before the new legislation came in.

"They have demonstrated time and again that they have not the slightest interest in the health and well-being of the young New Zealanders who use their products.

"For that reason, I think we need to look at exactly what it is that they are putting in their new products."

Mr Dunne said the Psychoactive Substances Bill is currently before the Health Select Committee and will be reported back to Parliament in mid-June and law in time to replace the Temporary Class Drug Notices regime in August.