HERBAL REMEDIES? OR ILLEGAL DRUGS?
What is Kamini and Barshasha:
Is Kamini and Barshasha harmful:
Kamini and Barshasha are herbal medicines that are popular in the Southern Asian community which claim to have many positive health benefits for users.
Kamini and Barshasha can have significant consequences to your health. There is a real risk of accidental overdose which has proved fatal in several cases.
Is Kamini and Barshasha legal: No, both substances contain opioids (Class B controlled drugs). Therefore, it is against New Zealand law to import, sell, supply, possess or consume Kamini and Barshasha.
What penalties do people face for importing / selling Kamini and Barshasha? Importing or selling Kamini and Barshasha – Up to 14 years imprisonment. Possession or use of Kamini and Barshasha – Up to 3 months imprisonment and $500 fine. Police also have the power under the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act to restrain assets derived from the proceeds of crime.
A recent study in New Zealand found that it took twice the average amount of medicine to treat Kamini addicts than it would take to treat other opioid addicts – Heroin, Morphine, Fentanyl and Codeine. As users build a tolerance to using Kamini, their usage increases. This can have a serious financial impact on users and their families.