The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 271 No 7257 p37
12 July 2003

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Home Office (more)

Law change will enable supply of drug paraphernalia

The law is being changed to allow pharmacists to supply drug paraphernalia to illicit drug users.

From 1 August, it will no longer be an offence for pharmacists, doctors and drug treatment workers to supply equipment to help prevent disease and infection.

Supply of five types of items will be allowed. They are ampoules of water for injections, swabs, utensils for the preparation of a Controlled Drug (spoons, bowls, cups and dishes), citric acid and filters.

Home Office Minister Caroline Flint commented: "Our top priority is to get users off drugs. But we need to be realistic that, for some drug users, that will not happen overnight and we need to help them reduce the amount of harm they do to themselves and others."

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society welcomed the news, and said it would allow pharmacists to provide better help for drug users.