ACT Government to consider future exemptions for kava consumption

The ACT Government will consider future exemptions that allow for kava consumption after a conditional trial at the National Multicultural Festival. The government permitted a three-day exemption for kava to be served to Pacific Islanders at the festival after lobbying by the community. Under the trial, the community promised not to supply kava to the general public. Following the trial's success, Chief Minister Katy Gallagher said the government would work with the Pacific Islander community in the coming months to discuss future cultural uses of kava in the territory.

Kava was declared a prescription-only drug in 2004 because of concerns about substance abuse in some Northern Territory Indigenous communities, and as such users currently need a prescription to consume kava legally.

Source: Canberra Times

Contacts

Media enquiries for the Chief Minister:
Adina Cirson
Ph: (02) 6205 0384
Mobile: 0435 964 454
Email: adina.cirson@act.gov.au

Links

• View news item: Kava exemption may be extended