KEY POINTS:
The Government has been advised to ban party pills. What do you think?
>> Send us your views
> Read the story
A selection of your latest views follows:
Kristy
It is interesting they state one trial had shown frequent and severe side effects - including seizures - from the drug's use, suggesting the potential for serious harm for some users, even at relatively low doses. I indulge in party pills, as do a massive expanse of people I know, and have done for a few years now. Never have I heard of such side effects, or witnessed any in myself. Just what kind of tests are these? Do the participants have pre-existing medical conditions? Do all of the broad expanse of pills on the market do this? I highly doubt it. There will always be people who abuse drugs - look at the alarming alcohol stats in this country for example. You don't see the government jumping to seriously address the issue of our binge drinking culture, which results in police being kept continually busy around the country. Do a few incidents coupled with no actual thorough research warrant these being taken off the market? If they do go, you can guarantee a rise in illegal drug taking.
Nozer
I run a bottle store and sell party pills among other things. Most of you will be surprised to know that quite a few 30+ people buy these people, among them mums trying to cope with the daily chores and looking after the kids, guys who work in the security field, blue collar workers, From my conversation with them, I gather that the energy pills help them through the day or night as applicable. So, personally, I do not see the reason for a ban, rather information and education to the public on the lines of It is not the drinking, it is how we are drinking sort of a message. And yes, like the sale of spirits and cigarettes, we do check to see that the buyers are 18+.
FB
Many here seem to keep touting the line that A drug is a drug and it should be banned. No questions about it. May I suggest that the word drug encompasses all forms of pharmaceutical medicines as well. Based on the above logic, why not go ahead and ban all drugs then? Most drugs, whether for good or for bad, have some sort of side effect. When medicinal benefits co-exist with high risks, the tendency is to regulate the use of the drug, not to prohibit it outright. Unless of course that risk is death, which is almost certainly true for all drugs if the use of it is abused. Don't miss the point in this whole debate. It is not on the chemical properties of BZP, as health wise it does no more or less damage than a lot of other restricted medicines. The debate is on the intended use of BZPs as a party drug that people are uncomfortable with. This is a conservative view to take in my opinion. Alcohol is available commercially for the use of social entertainment. BZP is just another medium or tool for the same intended purpose. Regulating and restricting it is a far better option than banning it. Once you ban BZP, there is no logical or rational reason for not banning alcohol, as doing so would only label anti-BZP supporters who drink alcohol as hypocrits.
Billy Mckee
The attempt to ban party pills is only going to make matters worse. Prohibition has never worked. Regulation and education are the only way to keep this away from the criminal element and save turning a lot of fun loving Kiwis into more criminals.
William
The ban on party pills would be a big mistake. Im an ex-alcoholic and I found satisfaction of socialisation though these pills to slow my drinking. Now, I dont drink at all. I also havent used any illegal club drugs since. These pills are a very positive influence and actually may have saved my life. We need as many people as possible to get together and keep these on the market. Regulations wouldnt hurt, but a ban would be devastating. Please think about how this has made a positive influence on our society and think about the benefits Ive gained through these.
MJN
Yet another useless law is conceived, thanks to widespread ignorance and an utter lack of respect for individuals' rights. I wish I could say I was surprised.
Graham Keye
The reason bans do not work is because people see the hypocrisy of current regulation and thinking. We all know that alcohol is bad for one but we still drink it as most of us use common sense. The same can be said for cannabis. Anybody who smokes it, ignores what is said as they know that the Government have no idea what they are talking about and for that matter, most people. Alcohol and tobacco are the major problem but good ol' Jim wants to appease the moralistic puritans who want to control our lives without giving us credit for running our own lives.
Jeff
It is interesting to read some of the comments made on this issue. Danny Rocha seems to think all (presumably just recreational) drugs should be banned, although he doesn't feel the need to give any reason or justification whatsoever for why this should be so. Natarsha says that we should "concentrate on the statistics and research provided by ER Hospital departments". Well, ER departments only see people who present with medical emergencies. Statistically, the overwhelming majority of people who use party pills do not end up in the emergency room, or need any medical attention at all. In fact, the vast majority of people who use recreational drugs are perfectly normal and functional members of society, who have jobs and probably sit next to you at work. I agree with Natarcha in that the facts need to be considered in drug policy - but that does not mean petty politics, peoples moralistic views, fears, prejudices and ignorance.
Albert
People are comparing the pills to alcohol, fine we can do that. Are you allowed to drink/be drunk in public? No. Are you allowed to drink and drive? No. So if you were to compare these pills to alcohol, then the same rules should apply. I don't know if it should be banned, but I know comparing the pills to alcohol is stupid. As for the people going to illegal drugs if the pills were banned, they probably do anyway. Plus its like arguing "people should be paid more, otherwise they will go around mugging and robbing people". Another stupid argument.
Danny Rocha
Yes, I totally agree with having a ban on party pills (BZP). If they are in fact a kind of drug then they must be banned. This will of course redirect people to other drugs, as people have expressed in their views, so it means restructuring our legal system and have more effective and stricter laws and penalties towards drugs. If south Asian countries can have the death penalty for drugs smuggling then at least we can have life imprisonment for the offenders.
Glen Smith
While I support the ban of party drugs simply because it is grooming young people to normalize drug taking I can't help compare it with smoking. I see tobacco packing with dire health warnings that it will kill you yet it is still legal to buy tobacco. Why? Surely the government is satisfied with the now legalised gambling activity introduced to replace the Tobacco Tax so why not ban smoking? The casinos seem to be doing fine without the Smokers. In any case ban tobacco first. The maths supports this theory doesn't it?
Gary Jones
Ban it and you will drive it underground. Keep it legal and you can regulate it.
Justin
To even imagine calling people criminals just because they like to take party pills in preference to alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs just shows the blind stupidity and hypocrisy of our so-called 'leaders' - or does it perhaps show their vested interests?
Obviously party pills are (for the known short term anyway) much safer than alcohol which claims many lives (both directly and indirectly) every year. Banning them is only going to increase a chasm in society between illegal users and those that seek to criminalise, even imprison them, for their crime of having fun without hurting anyone else.
Natasha
I think it's rubbish that you want to ban party pills, I've used them in the past and I think they are like alcohol, you should know your limits. As long as alcohol is legal then so should party pills. They are all drugs, just different kinds!
Natarsha
Parliament should ignore public views, and concentrate on the statistics and research provided by ER Hospital departments, and highlight to people that taking drugs is stupid and detrimental either way you look at it. Live life for free, save your party pill money and put it towards saving for a house!
Alan Wilkinson
I agree with your editorial. An outright ban will simply be another bonanza and income stream for the crooks and gangs, both those selling alternative and more dangerous illicit drugs and those who will start selling party pills. In 20 years time we will be looking back on exactly the same abject failure from every perspective as the criminalisation of cannabis has been. Illegal cannabis is now reportedly the highest value crop in the USA and, as with alcohol, prohibition expanded its market.
Phil Steele
"The report said New Zealand was increasingly viewed as a primary BZP supplier, "which has the potential to impact on New Zealand's international reputation". Committee chairman Ashley Bloomfield said recent incidents of New Zealand manufacturers having shipments turned away by Australian customs officials had added to concerns." This will be the real reason BZP pills are banned. Nothing to do with "public safety". It's about not deviating from the US led war on drugs. Our international reputation is more important to idiot politicians than actual rational decisions, and past experience that prohibition does not work.
Nick Ismail
It is quite amazing how the current government can be so hypercritical when it becomes to "drugs" and the public's welfare. So much effort has been put into researching the possible effects of BZP including the commissioning of a special body to review its future. Whereas on the other hand, the government seems to take a more cavalier attitude towards the use of a Norwegian based meningococcal vaccine that is currently being administered to our children (since 2001). This vaccine hasn't even been fully tested (phase III trials were not performed), even more alarming is the fact that the Norwegian parent vaccine (to which the New Zealand one is bio-identical to), was withdrawn from use in Norway due to it side effects (for more more info see http://www.thenhf.com/vaccinations_99.htm).
Michelle
To be honest, I don't think much will be gained from banning these pills. It seems like the government is focusing on party pills to avoid dealing with the bigger issues of alcohol and cigarettes, which cause many more social problems. As many people pointed out - at least when they are legal they can be regulated and taxed! I should also add that after taking these pills a couple of times I refuse to take them again as they are not that much fun! They don't last that long and they make you feel awful the next day. Most people will take them a couple of times, discover they don't really need/like them, and then stop buying them. Problem solved!
Andy (Kiwi in London)
I have noticed that very few, if any people here are taking ecstasy. Things are very different in the UK, where pills are 2-3 pounds each, with very widespread use. If party pills are banned, people would switch to ecstasy. I am absolutely sure of this. The type of people that go to raves / dance clubs will still exist, and they will be looking for alternatives. At least party pills are controlled, regulated and out in the open. Banning them would be a mistake.
John
I go out clubbing / to raves regularly. I have seen people use them as an alternative to other (illegal) drugs such as ecstasy and speed. I believe that if they were banned then the use of these illegal drugs would surge as people would not have any alternative. BZP usage probably would not stop though as you can buy 99.9% pure BZP off the street at lower costs then party pills anyway. For example; $20 for a gram of BZP whereas in a pack of party pills you will get maybe 600mg of BZP (all up) and the rest TFMPP and other additives for usually around $40 - $50. I do believe, however, that the banning of party pills will just increase the usage of illegal party drugs. I personally have chosen them over e and speed. From my experience the only negative effects from using party pills are lack of an appetite the next day to (very) short term insomnia (if you exceed the stated recommended dose) ie you cannot sleep until maybe 8am till maybe midday. The comedown of illegal drugs such as e and speed are no were near as physically draining although you find with e usage you get depression for the next few days (known by many as "ecky monday").
Lars
The only people who will benefit are the gangs, organised crime, the P dealers. Is that what we want?
Even Jim Anderton conceded that party pills are less dangerous than alcohol so why aren't they banning alcohol? With a bit of regulation these pill could be safe for consumption .I would rather my kids get their high legally than going through a drug dealer.
Paula
Didn't the 1990 Proceeds of Crime Act supposedly designed to combat black market supply of drugs give us tinnie houses on every second street, ie. gangs realised their clubhouses could be confiscated, so they moved rapidly into the wider community and flourished. Doh! I am totally sceptical that banning BZP will do anything other than create more harms, directly linked to that black market and some of the cowboys in the BZP industry, particularly in Christchurch. According to addiction specialists - the people with the most knowledge, who are at the coalface there is a 2% potential for dependence to BZP. That is very very low. This substance is more benign than peanuts and coffee. Stupid politicians and uninformed members of the public!
Atomantnz
At the end of the day a drug is a drug! What type of message are we trying to send to young people? Early in life we try to teach them that drugs are a bad thing and you should only have those prescribed by a doctor. Why then should it change when they get older, talk about send a conflicting message. If a substance has the ability to alter your blood chemistry then we need to have this tightly controlled, and yes this goes for alcohol too (we all know how much damage this does).
Andrew
I think this recommendation by the EACD is a huge mistake for New Zealand. The reality is that removing these products is not going to reduce demand for these kind of substances. It will simply propel demand from these products to illicit substances. New Zealand already has a major problem with P, all this decision will do is push consumers onto P and give more power to NZ's gangs. Crazy crazy move.
Derryn
Yes a few people might have seizures and die. But many more have died from alcohol related incidents and the government certainly wouldn't look into banning that! I think party pills are a good alternative to real drugs and even too getting drunk. And how would anyone enjoy dance/house music without them?!
James
Silly, silly, silly. When will governments learn not to waste time and resources combating party drugs? Users will find them either legally or otherwise and take them to enhance their collective experiences. Tax them and get use of the tax revenue. It's pretty simple, unless you're talking about a drug e.g. P that is clearly detrimental to the public good.
Ross Weal
How can anyone possibly justify banning these (party pills) when you can buy cigarettes which are PROVEN to give you cancer and a whole load of other health problems!?
Matt O'S
And how much did this study by the 'expert committee' cost the taxpayer for information any emergency room doctor could have told the Government? I don't think party pills should be banned, just not sold at (pretty much) every dairy and bottle store in town. Also raise the age of purchase to 20. Aren't there harder drugs that need this attention.
Michael
Those not up on the actual facts may be inclined to believe there have been deaths recorded by party pills. Given the attention this subject will gain in the coming months I personally have used BZP products and tend to liken them to alcohol in the potential damage factor although alcohol has a far greater REAL damage factor, and would suggest the reason party pills may be over used is because they lack the negative gain factor of the hangover that alcohol gives in spite of a very similar side effect of dehydration. All said you cant tell an idiot how to be safe. It seems laws keep being made to protect the idiots from the enjoyment of normally sane and reasoned people.
Kim
This change will not be good, regulation of party pills is definitely required (at the moment it's self regulation ) but being reactionary about it is NOT going to solve problems. I can tell you right now that if many people going out for a big and long night cannot get party pills, they are going to go and find something else, trust me it's a fact. As the most widely available and easy to get stimulant drug other than party pills is 'P' I don't think that this whole move is an especially clever one.'P' has recently halfed in price and dealers are now including it in other 'purchases' or handing out the first couple of doses free- children around 14 are currently being targeted- these guys have NO qualms in hooking as many people as possible to this insidious crud. I probably take party pills twice a year, if that, but respect the fact that I live in a country where as a grown adult I am able to decide that for myself. Party pills are no way near as dangerous as the other stimulant drugs available in NZ society right now. If you have a heart or seizures condition it is up to you not to take that risk- much the same as you wouldn't go on a huge rollercoaster with those things either. The statistcal risk are actually very small, I have flatmates who have said to me 'It's better to take these than go out and get some 'P', -not that they wouldn't take 'P' but they have a much safer, better option- before wading off into the dance crowd with their trusty bottle of water. I know you think you are doing the right thing but there is a much, much, much bigger monster waiting around the corner. Thousand upon thousands of people take party pills every weekend, the incident rate is very small.
Kerstin
What's next? Coffee; tea; wine; tobacco; burgers; dairy; wheat; sugar; chewing gum? There are studies out there to suggest all these are potentially dangerous substances, many of which are proven to cause serious health problems. Yet, we all have our glass of Champagne on Christmas, have we not? Prohibition of stuff has never worked to make it less harmful – au contraire. Read today's Herald about the experiences in the US. There is no such thing as total drug control. However: if you relegate substances to the black market, the risks multiply. Educate people about possible effects of what they are consuming and let them decide for themselves. Or proof to the public that illegal drugs are causing by itself significantly more damage than legal drugs. Prohibited, they do instigate serious harm indeed because, if they are illegal, you put them in the hands of criminals. Don't go there!
