MP 'proud' of legal high bill

It's been a big year for Rotorua MP Todd McClay - but he says being involved in new laws to restrict the sale of legal highs has been a special moment.

Parliament passed the Psychoactive Substances Bill last night with 119 members voting in favour and just one against.

Mr McClay, who led the bill through his role as the Associate Health Minister, said he had heard many stories from parents who had young ones affected by the drugs - and he'd made an assurance to one mum this week he would do what he could to make sure young people were better protected.

He was "very proud" to have done that last night, he said.

"Getting this across the line is quite special."

Mr McClay said the law would be enacted early next week which was good timing given the school holidays. It restricted the availability and accessibility of so-called legal highs including preventing their sale from dairies, or any sort of grocery store, petrol station or anywhere alcohol is sold.

It also restricts sales to those over 18 and prevents advertising except at the point of sale. Those breaching the rules will face up to two years' jail or a fine of up to $500,000.

Mr McClay said he was aware there would be withdrawal issues and other health-related problems that would need to be addressed. That would take a collective effort from those in the education, health and enforcement sectors, he said.

Retailers won't be permitted to sell the legal highs from the day of enactment and police would collect unsold stock to dispose of.

He called on suppliers and distributors to collect unsold stock and refund retailers.