Legalising Drug Testing: Has new legislation made an impact this summer?: January 19, 2021

In this special on the new drug testing legislation introduced at the end of 2020, News and Editorial Director Jemima Huston looks into whether the law change has made an impact this summer.

Dispite the fact that the change has legalised drug testing for events, Know Your Stuff - the drug checking organisation, was unable to provide their services at many festivals over the New Year period due to limited notice and resources. Jemima explores public opinion on the lack of services available, the process of getting a checking service on board at an event, the reasons behind the popularity of DIY drug testing kits and what needs to happen to ensure that testing services are available at all festivals in Aotearoa. 

In this piece Jemima speaks to Rhythm and Alps 2020 festival goers, Rhythm and Alps Director Alex Turnball, a source who works for a shop that sells DIY drug testing kits and New Zealand Drug Foundation Executive Director Sarah Helm. 

If you are looking to get drugs tested, Know Your Stuff in conjunction with the NZ Drug Foundation are running two clinics on Saturday 23 January in Auckland and Wellington. 

• Auckland - The Hemp Store, 253 Karangahape Road, 11am-3pm.
• Wellington - NZ Drug Foundation, Level 4 265 Wakefield Street, 11am-1:30pm.

Follow Know Your Stuff or the NZ Drug Foundation on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter for updates and to hear where future testing clinics will be held.