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Dance pill makers issue draft code of practice

A wide range of pills are available on the market, pitched as safe and legal alternatives to illegal substances such as lsd, ecstasy and amphetamine. They have the pepper-derived chemical benzylpiperazine (BZP) as an active ingredient, and sell for around $40 for six tablets.

Police have previously criticised the pills, with the head of the Dunedin police drug squad saying in April they are a death waiting to happen.

In April the Government announced the Expert Advisory Committee on Drugs (EACD) did not recommend BZP become a controlled substance "at this time".

The EACD recommended further research into the potential harm associated with BZP, which is an illegal substance in the United States and two states of Australia.

Makers and distributers of the pills had formed an association to discuss all aspects of the pills, including what to call them.

"The term 'social tonic' has been proposed as the closest description to the products specifically embraced by this code of practice," the webpage of the newly-formed Social Tonic Association of New Zealand (Stanz) said.

"Stanz has been formed to address some of the concerns both from within and outside the industry at poor product labelling and marketing, and the sale of these products to people under 18," Stanz spokesperson Matt Bowden said in a statement.

"We are working co-operatively with the Ministry of Health and the EACDover how these products should be regulated, but we are taking the lead in setting the highest standards in terms of product safety, clarity of labelling and prohibiting the sale to minors."

Up to five million BZP products had been sold in New Zealand in the past five years, Mr Bowden said.

"Our products are a valuable harm minimisation tool and we are committed to working alongside health professionals and the public to ensure an appropriate regulatory regime is adopted around them," Mr Bowden said.

The draft code seeks comment on dance clubs and retailers use of a Stanz quality mark, to set standards for the manufacture, distribution and advertising of BZP products, ensure consumers are provided with accurate information to make informed choices, address safety concerns, and set up a disputes resolution system.

Submissions on the draft code close on June 30.