Plea for tougher synthetic drug rules

The father of a 22-year-old who died from synthetic cannabis use says harsher penalties are just one of the steps needed to stop the drugs killing Kiwis.

A private member’s bill from National MP Simeon Brown, which calls for an increase in the maximum penalty for suppliers from two years’ imprisonment to eight years, passed its first reading yesterday.

While Labour and the Greens opposed it, NZ First supported the bill through the first reading, giving it a majority of 65 to 55.

Ahead of the reading, Brown received a petition, which also called for harsher penalties, as well as a select committee inquiry into the support offered to those addicted to synthetic drugs.

The petition – launched by Brown last month – was presented by Lewis Jones, the father of Aucklander Calum Jones, who died after taking synthetic cannabis.

The Government has refused to launch a separate inquiry into synthetic cannabis, with Health Minister David Clark saying he was confident the existing probe into mental health and addiction issues would provide enough recommendations to address the problem.

However, Lewis Jones said there was need for a better understanding of synthetic cannabis, and more support for those struggling with addictions.

His son, Calum Jones, suffered a three-day-long psychotic episode, during which multiple voices and suicidal thoughts flooded his head. Family members desperately tried to get him help but were turned away by clinics and rehab centres.

He eventually got into an addiction centre but there was a breakdown in communication before Jones’ death.

Lewis Jones said services failed his son, and there needed to be better understanding of the harm the

‘‘I’m just representing those people who haven’t got a voice – the ones who have passed away.’’

Auckland’s Lewis Jones, whose son died after taking synthetic cannabis.

drugs were doing, and the available support.

‘‘I’m just representing those people who haven’t got a voice – the ones who have passed away. The ones that are still being neglected, who are looking for help.’’

Brown said psychoactive drugs, like synthetic cannabis, had become increasingly harmful. About 25 reported deaths have been associated with synthetics consumption during the past year.

The bill aimed to amend the Psychoactive Substances Act so those who supplied illegal psychoactive drugs faced the same type of conviction as they would for supplying a Class C Drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

‘‘New Zealanders want us to be tough on drugs, this bill is going to do that. It’s about making sure we keep our community safe.’’

While rejecting the need for a separate inquiry Clark said he acknowledged the harm caused by synthetic cannabis and was committed to tackling the issue.

Police Minister Stuart Nash said synthetic cannabis was a real issue in communities but harsher penalties were not the way to go. Labour had decided on a ‘‘compassionate, not punitive, approach’’.

Longer, harsher penalties were also out-of-sync with the Government’s plan to reduce the prison population, and to take a health approach to drug issues.