Kronic comes off the shelves

Concern over synthetic cannabis products such as Kronic prompted the Government to urgently pass legislation this month allowing the issue of temporary class drug notices.

The legality of such products, their use by school-aged children and harmful effects experienced by users have been hotly discussed in recent months.

Temporary class drug notices will ban a number of psychoactive products such as Kronic. Photo: Wanganui Chronicle

From the date such a notice comes into force the import, export, manufacture, supply and sale of the drug concerned becomes illegal.

Malcolm Burgess, Assistant Commissioner Investigations/International, says the temporary class drug notices ban a number of psychoactive products for one year. A notice will be enforceable within seven days of issue.

“The one-year ban is to allow time for research by an independent committee into whether these substances are safe,” says Malcolm. “As part of our response to this new legislation, Districts have been tasked to engage with local retailers who have been selling these products to get the message out that many are no longer legal.”

Stations will receive flyers so staff can provide factual information to shop owners. It explains selling the banned substances is now illegal and retailers who flout the laws can be prosecuted under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975.