CANNABIS-PIPE SELLERS PROMISE TO DEFY JULY 1 BAN

WELLINGTON -- Retailers selling bongs and pipes are vowing to defy a ban on
the sale of cannabis utensils from July 1.

National Association of Pipesellers spokesman Steve Tozer said retailers had
told him they would keep selling -- under the counter if necessary.

"I've had a few people saying they'll have to be dragged out by their hair.
Retailers feel that strongly about it."

The previous National-led Government announced the regulation last year as
part of its "harm reduction" drugs policy. The proposed regulation included
fines of up to $1000 and/or imprisonment of up to three months to those who
fail to comply.

Labour MP Tim Barnett is against the move. He has recommended repealing
National's Misuse of Drugs Notice 1999 and replacing it with a gazette
notice placing any decision on hold until the review of cannabis laws is
complete.

But Mr Barnett could not confirm whether any amendment would be made before
July 1. "I've passed it on to (Health Minister) Annette King's office, but
we're obviously running out of time. I can't say what will happen either
way."

He said the new law would threaten successful small businesses, while a
black market for the trade of cannabis utensils might be created. It would
be tempting for stores to sell stock by such names as tobacco pipes.

Mr Tozer said more than 150 retailers had said they would continue to sell
cannabis-smoking tools regardless of any ban.

"Everyone just thinks it's crazy that the Government is conducting a review
of cannabis laws yet this proposed legislation might still come through." He
estimates more than 200 jobs could be lost if the changes go through.

"Selling pipes accounts for at least 40 per cent of sales for these
businesses.

"If they can't continue to sell them, they'll be forced to close down."

Under the new law, stores were given until July last year to clear stocks,
but the Government extended the deadline to this year.