Hard News by Russell Brown

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Hard News: Pills, not so many thrills

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  • Matt Bowden,

    I don't believe that either, but as long as politicians refuse to abolish The Lords Prayer from Parliament you'll never get any joy with a progressive drug policy.

    NZ's drug policy already leads and brings me great joy in the respect that:

    (1) we already have a restricted substances category for recreational drugs not harmful enough to be made illegal; and
    (2) the future direction was clearly signalled by statements made through the Minister that the onus is on sponsors of new products to show safety before their products come on to market;

    and this has apparently happened with "The Lord's Prayer."

    Auckland • Since Jan 2007 • 6 posts Report Reply

  • Russell Brown,

    NZ's drug policy already leads and brings me great joy in the respect that:

    (1) we already have a restricted substances category for recreational drugs not harmful enough to be made illegal; and
    (2) the future direction was clearly signalled by statements made through the Minister that the onus is on sponsors of new products to show safety before their products come on to market;

    Y'know, Matt, I have tried to explain that to people here, so it's helpful to have you reiterate it.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 22850 posts Report Reply

  • Spinner,

    What would be amusing is if current "legal" highs were subjected to this onus to prove safety.....alcohol?...tobacco?....and conversely the current illegal substances also have their legality determined by such a process....now what is the LD50 on some nice Hokianga skunk???

    Remmers • Since Jul 2007 • 24 posts Report Reply

  • Craig Ranapia,

    I think the major bulk of their work is in public law for non-government clients -- including some (like the gaming industry) that might be deemed distasteful, so this is pretty much in line with what they do. Matt Bowden used them to get the original approval for Ease.

    Oh, I have no problem with people like Mr. Bowden and the gaming industry getting the very best legal advice, or lobbying ministers and government departments - no matter how distasteful I find their products. I hope I'd never give the impression that the law should only protect and serve those people I approve of.

    I just find it rather unfortunate that Chen Palmer describes itself on its own website as:

    Chen Palmer has its roots in the North American model of the 'Washington law firm' and has developed a unique approach to problem solving in the law.

    We are the only specialist Public Law firm in Australasia. In addition to providing the highest quality legal advice, we also provide policy, legislation and strategic advice that is informed by a detailed knowledge and understanding of Government and Government processes.

    Now, I'm not saying Mai Chen or Sir Geoffrey are Jack Abramoff wannabes, but I think it's fair comment to say that the phrase Washington law firm' also has *cough* a considerable amount of baggage I'd rather not see here.

    North Shore, Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 12370 posts Report Reply

  • Michael Fitzgerald,

    I think the baggage allowance to the tag Washington law firm is accurate.
    Geoff failed to introduce a constitution to NZ.
    His RMA is primarily about property rights, rather than protecting the environment (other wise precautionary law would apply).
    Chen went on Morning TV highlighting our parlimentary power is that of King Herrod and that all Maori babies could be killed at Helens wim.
    I think the baggage allowance is fair.

    Since May 2007 • 631 posts Report Reply

  • WH,

    They accepted biased and poor quality research to hype up the harms of BZP and suppressed information they didn't like.

    What is the state of the research regarding the side effects of medium to long term BZP use?

    A few months back I saw a newspaper report of a "study" had concluded that short term effects of BZP included sleeplessness, euphoria, mild anxiety, perspiration and increased pulse.

    Since Nov 2006 • 797 posts Report Reply

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