10 Oct 2014

Legal highs policy out for consultation

10:28 am on 10 October 2014

A draft policy aiming to restrict the sale of legal highs in Auckland will this month go out for public consultation.

Synthetic cannabis and a pipe.

Synthetic cannabis and a pipe. Photo: RNZ / Diego Opatowski

Auckland Council today adopted a draft policy, suggesting areas where psychoactive substances should not be sold, such as near to vulnerable communities, schools or treatment centres.

Councillor George Wood said their main priority was to ensure public safety.

He said legal highs could come back on the market any time, so the city needs to be prepared.

Mr Wood said they need to find a balance between the legal right of the public to buy the licensed products, and the need to ensure they aren't too available.

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