Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 | |
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Parliament of New Zealand |
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Long title/ Purpose |
An Act to consolidate and amend the Narcotics Act 1965 and to make further provision for the prevention of misuse of drugs |
Dates | |
Date passed | 1975 |
Other legislation | |
Status: Current legislation |
New Zealand's Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 is a national drug control law that classifies drugs into three classes, or Schedules, based on their risk of harm:[1]
^Note 1 : Pentobarbital, secobarbital, and amobarbital are subject to more legal restrictions and tougher penalties than other Class C substances.
^Note 2 : Temazepam and flunitrazepam are subject to more legal restrictions and tougher penalties than other Class C substances.
The Expert Advisory Committee on Drugs (EACD) makes Scheduling decisions, based on scientific and medical evidence and/or international treaty obligations. New Zealand is a party to the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, the Convention on Psychotropic Substances, and the United Nations Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances. National Drug Policy New Zealand notes, "The Conventions place certain obligations on signatory countries. When the UN classifies (or re-classifies) a substance under one of the above Conventions, it requires signatory countries to amend their domestic legislation to ensure consistency with the UN’s amendment. Accordingly, the impetus for some of the drugs to be considered by the EACD will originate from decisions made at the UN".