The Thames-Coromandel District Council is advising locals psychoactive products, used to create legal highs, will soon be allowed for sale nationwide.

They are now calling on all locals interested in where they can and cannot be sold in the Coromandel to work with them on this issue.

The Thames-Coromandel District Council has recently drafted a new policy restricting locations where psychoactive products can be sold. Photo: File

To help locals make an informed decision the district council will host a series of public meetings in Whitianga, Whangamata and Thames.

At these meetings council staff will be available and locals will be offered the chance to talk to them personally about these changes.

Psychoactive substances are some of the ingredients used in different drugs that affect the mind, such as: party pills, herbal and legal highs, synthetic cannabis and legal recreational drugs.

The council says it has drafted a policy which it hopes may solve the problem.

'The policy ensures that the Ministry of Health's Licensing Authority has the best possible information on the appropriate location of retail premises when issuing licences to retailers who can sell approved psychoactive products later this year.

'It is important to note that our council will not be issuing those licenses, but rather, the Ministry of Health's Licensing Authority will be doing that.”

Council says its proposed policy restricts these retailers to certain areas within main towns and makes sure they are not close to places like schools, churches and community facilities.

This policy will also restrict the sale from premises that are close to others with a licence to sell psychoactive products.

'Our job is to make sure that the Licensing Authority has the best possible information on the location of retail premises when issuing licences, so let us know if you think we've done this when you submit.”

To learn more about the Psychoactive Substances Regulatory Authority visit: psychoactives.health.govt.nz

Public meetings are being held:

• Whitianga: Town Hall, Tuesday, February 17 from 5:30pm
• Whangamata: Town Hall, Thursday, February 19, from 5:30pm
• Thames: Thames High School, Monday, February 23, from 5:30pm

To read the Thames Coromandel District Council's proposed policy and to make a submission click here.

Submissions close Monday, March 9, at 4pm.

What are your thoughts on legal highs being available for sale in Coromandel? Post your comments below.