What is Drug Checking?

Drug checking, also known as harm reduction drug testing, is a process of analyzing the composition of illicit drugs to identify their purity, potency, and potential contaminants. Recently, the New Zealand government has legalized drug checking, and a network of know your stuff drug testing clinics has been established to support this harm reduction strategy.

The Risks of Illicit Drug Use

Illicit drug use carries significant risks, both physical and legal. The illegal status of many drugs means that they are produced and distributed without any quality control or regulation, leading to variability in their potency and purity. This variability makes it difficult for drug users to accurately estimate the effects of their drug use, leading to a higher risk of overdose, adverse reactions, or long-term health effects.

Drug Checking as a Harm Reduction Strategy

Drug checking aims to address these risks by providing drug users with more information about the drugs they are consuming. By identifying the composition of a drug, users can make more informed decisions about their drug use, reducing the risk of harm from dangerous substances or unexpected reactions. In addition, drug checking can provide important data on drug trends, allowing public health officials to develop more effective prevention and harm reduction strategies.

New Zealand's Approach to Drug Checking

In July 2020, New Zealand became the first country in the world to legalize drug checking for festival and event organizers. The new legislation allows event organizers to apply for a license to operate drug checking services, providing attendees with access to harm reduction information and advice. The move comes after a successful trial of drug checking services at music festivals in New Zealand, operated by the know your stuff drug testing clinics.

The know your stuff clinics have been operating since 2014, providing drug checking and harm reduction advice at festivals and events across New Zealand. The clinics are staffed by a team of volunteers, including chemists, medical professionals, and harm reduction experts. The clinics have been successful in reducing drug-related harm, including reducing the number of hospitalizations and overdose deaths at events where they have been operating.

The legalization of drug checking in New Zealand is part of a broader harm reduction strategy aimed at reducing the harms associated with drug use. Other initiatives include increased funding for addiction treatment services, increased access to opioid substitution therapy, and the decriminalization of drug possession for personal use.

Conclusion

In conclusion, drug checking is an important harm reduction strategy aimed at reducing the risks associated with illicit drug use. The recent legalization of drug checking in New Zealand is a significant step towards a more evidence-based and compassionate approach to drug policy. The know your stuff drug testing clinics have demonstrated the effectiveness of drug checking in reducing drug-related harm, and their success has led to similar initiatives in other countries, including Australia, Canada, and the Netherlands. As the evidence for drug checking continues to accumulate, it is hoped that more countries will follow New Zealand's lead in embracing harm reduction strategies as a means of promoting public health and safety.

References:

1. Ministry of Health. (2021). Drug Checking. Retrieved from https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/regulation-health-and-disability-system/drug-checking
2. Know Your Stuff. (2021). Who We Are. Retrieved from https://knowyourstuff.nz/about-us/who-we-are/
3. Ministry of Health. (2019). National Drug Policy 2015 to 2020. Retrieved from https://www.health.govt.nz/publication/national-drug-policy-2015-2020