Key Takeaways
- KnowYourStuff offers a free, legal, and confidential drug-checking service at various music festivals in New Zealand
- One in 10 drugs on the black market may not be what they are sold as, making drug checking a crucial step in ensuring safety
- Synthetic cathinones, such as ‘bath salts’, are being sold as MDMA, posing a significant risk to users
- High-dose pills, including those with multiple doses of MDMA, are a concern and can lead to hospitalization or death
- Drug testing is free, anonymous, confidential, and legal, thanks to a temporary law made permanent in 2021
Introduction to KnowYourStuff
KnowYourStuff, a drug-checking group, is reminding concertgoers this New Year’s party season that they offer a free, legal, and confidential service to help ensure the safety of those who plan to use drugs. The organization will be present at several music festivals, including the AUM New Years Festival, Northern Bass, Twisted Frequency, and Rhythm and Alps in Wānaka. Additionally, the Drug Foundation will be at Gisborne’s Rhythm and Vines. KnowYourStuff spokesperson Casey Spearin emphasized the importance of getting drugs checked before consumption, citing the alarming statistic that one in 10 drugs on the black market may not be what they are sold as.
The Risks of Unchecked Drugs
Spearin warned that the risks associated with unchecked drugs are very real, and that even those who have purchased from trusted sources in the past should still get their drugs checked. The supply chain can be unpredictable, and changes can occur at any point, making it essential to verify the contents of the substance before consumption. One of the primary concerns is the presence of synthetic cathinones, such as ‘bath salts’, being sold as MDMA (ecstasy). These substances can be particularly hazardous, and users may be unaware of the risks they are taking. Furthermore, high-dose pills, including those with multiple doses of MDMA, are a significant concern, as they can lead to hospitalization or even death.
The Importance of Drug Checking
Spearin emphasized that drug checking is a crucial step in ensuring the safety of those who plan to use drugs. The service provided by KnowYourStuff is free, anonymous, confidential, and legal, thanks to a temporary law made permanent in 2021. The law, which was supported by most parties in Parliament, except for National, recognizes the importance of pill-testing in keeping people safe. By intercepting potentially dangerous substances before they are consumed, drug checking can help prevent harm and even save lives. Spearin also noted that there has been an uptake in the use of cocaine and ketamine, some of which may not be the real thing, further highlighting the need for drug checking.
The Service Provided by KnowYourStuff
KnowYourStuff’s service is designed to be accessible and non-judgmental, allowing users to make informed decisions about their drug use. The organization’s presence at music festivals and other events provides a safe and confidential space for people to get their drugs checked. By providing this service, KnowYourStuff aims to reduce the risks associated with drug use and promote harm reduction. The organization’s message is clear: if you plan to use drugs, get them checked first. With the risks associated with unchecked drugs being so high, it is essential to take this simple step to ensure your safety.
Conclusion
In conclusion, KnowYourStuff’s drug-checking service is a vital resource for those who plan to use drugs this New Year’s party season. With the risks associated with unchecked drugs being so high, it is essential to take advantage of this free, legal, and confidential service. By getting your drugs checked, you can make informed decisions about your drug use and reduce the risks associated with it. KnowYourStuff’s presence at music festivals and other events provides a safe and confidential space for people to get their drugs checked, and their message is clear: if you plan to use drugs, get them checked first. By promoting harm reduction and providing a vital service, KnowYourStuff is helping to keep people safe and prevent harm.