Kava going gangbusters at dairies
Dairies across the country are selling the mood-altering substance kava – and there are no restrictions on who buys it.
Fiza Nadeem, owner of the Kennedy Road Dairy in Napier South, started selling kava powder about two months ago. She sells about three packs a day. The first stock was from Fiji but, because it sold so quickly, she bought more from an Auckland supplier.
‘‘There’s no harm in it, it’s a herbal thing. I was talking to one of the guys, I can’t remember his name, he came in and went, ‘I just put it in a glass of water and drank it and it gave me more energy.’ I was really shocked to think it gave him energy. He said it was really good for his health too, and then he bought some more, like $20 worth.’’
Kava comes from the root of the Piper methysticum plant found in the Pacific, and it is widely consumed by people of all ages for its sedating effects.
Bruce Leckie, 71, lives on the same block as the shop. He bought a couple of $5 bags recently, but is yet to try it.
‘‘I thought, ‘Yep I’ll give it a go.’ Seems to me that it may be a pleasant, legal, mind-moodaltering substance and, like the old saying: ‘I’ll try anything once except incest or country dancing.’ ’’
The Ministry of Health has no restrictions or concerns around the drug, saying kava compliance falls under the guidance of the Ministry of Primary Industries.
MPI has rules on importing kava – it must meet biosecurity rules in the import health standards, and comply with the Food Standards Code of Australia and New Zealand.
The whole dried root can be brought in but needs to be inspected for insects, whereas there are no restrictions for powder. The fresh root may be imported from Samoa, Tonga or Fiji, but this requires phytosanitary certification from the exporting country and inspection on arrival.
When selling, it’s only permitted as a beverage obtained by the ‘‘aqueous suspension of kava root using cold water only’’, or as a dried or raw kava root. Labelling provisions require ‘‘use in moderation’’ and ‘‘may cause drowsiness’’ warning statements.
University of Waikato Pacific development manager Dr Apo Aporosa said many people believed kava contained mana or spiritual power. ‘‘It’s a very mild substance. I’ve read in some places it’s been called the antiRed Bull, instead of winding you up, it just chills you out.’’