"Synthetic drugs" or "New and emerging drugs" have been the topic of much discussion among Youth AOD workers lately. New Zealand are taking an interesting policy approach to this issue.

The rise of new and emerging substances around the world has generated debate and discussion amongst health professionals and policy makers. Ross Bell, the Executive Director of the New Zealand Drug Foundation explains that New Zealand are taking a unique policy approach by adopting a model of "regulation" of new and emerging psycho active substances. He describes this as a new experiment to move away from a prohibition model.

If drugs are deemed to meet a level of safety, they will be legal for supply to people over 18.

Manufacturers of substances will be able to have their drugs tested and if, through clinical trials, there are deemed to meet a level of safety, they will be legal for supply to people aged over 18. The New Zealand drug foundation explains that at the heart of this is principles of Harm reduction, human rights and social justice.