KnowYourStuff will be present at various events including the AUM New Years Festival, Northern Bass, Twisted Frequency, and Rhythm and Alps in Wānaka. Additionally, the Drug Foundation will be offering their services at Gisborne’s Rhythm and Vines.
Casey Spearin, a spokesperson for KnowYourStuff, highlighted the alarming statistic that one in 10 drugs on the black market are not what they are advertised to be.
“We advise individuals who plan on using drugs this summer to have them tested beforehand if possible,” Spearin stated. “It’s crucial to have your substances checked, even if you trust the source, as changes can occur at any point in the supply chain.”
Of particular concern is the misrepresentation of synthetic cathinones as MDMA, potentially leading to serious health risks for unsuspecting users.
Spearin also emphasized the dangers of high-dose pills, noting instances where ecstasy pills contained multiple doses of MDMA, posing a significant risk to consumers.
The prevalence of counterfeit cocaine and ketamine in the market has also raised alarms, with some products being far from authentic.
It is important to note that drug testing is free, anonymous, confidential, and legal. A law legalizing drug checking was permanently enacted in 2021 after evidence demonstrated its effectiveness in enhancing safety by identifying harmful substances before consumption.
The legislation received widespread support in Parliament, with the exception of the National party, which opposed it.
