User:Mozart/Some random drug policy amendment proposal

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NOTE: This is a draft policy that I'm putting here because it was given in wiki markup and I want to see it in a sane manner so I can evaluate it. I did not write it, nor do I endorse it.

Nootropics Law Change Proposal

Goal

Prevent the illegalisation or patented commercialisation of safe and useful drugs that have been generically used for over a decade, and to make restricted drugs with the same qualities once again easily available.

Existing Laws

The law governing the control of most of these drugs, place most of these drugs in the unscheduled category meaning they can be obtained by be obtained through the TGAs Personal Import Scheme. However many of the drugs may be illegal to import due to the Controlled Substances Act 1984 section 4 part 2, meaning any drugs similar to other restricted drugs fall under the same restrictions. For example, many drugs in the Racetam class could be considered analogous to piracetam which is currently an S4 scheduled drug. Melatonin, yohimbine and DHEA are also S4 scheduled drugs that are over the counter medicines in the USA

General Safety

While it is easy to find studies showing the uses of nootropics, studies on their safety are limited, dispite the amount of human trials for some. However, there are multiple online communities who consume the unscheduled drugs daily without any reported toxicity. Examples are Longecity, Reddit and the less credible Drug Forums.

Resolution

To make these drugs more easily available, the S1 schedule should be reopened for nootropic drugs and other drugs that are unlikely to cause harm and have a low incidence of side effects. This category would include the following and any similar drugs with successful human trials that haven't been patented:

• Alpha-GPC
• Aniracetam
• Citicoline
• DHEA
• Dimethylethanolamine
• Galantamine
• Huperzine A
• 5-Hydroxytryptophan
• Kavalactones
• Melatonin
• Nefiracetam
• Noopept
• Oxiracetam
• Phenibut
• Phenylpiracetam
• Picamilon
• Piracetam
• Pramiracetam
• Pyritinol
• Sulbutiamine
• Tianeptine
• Vinpocetine
• Yohimbine

The S1 category could be sold in pharmacies like the S2 category with the same laws applying, however they must display a further disclaimer saying that there may be unknown side effects and should not be taken by those under the age of 18 or by pregnant women.

Current Act Changes

The Poisons Standard 2012 will be changed and amended with the following:

• Part 4 – The Schedules will have the Schedule 1 text “This Schedule is intentionally blank.” replaced with “Nootropic Drugs — Substances, which are considered generally safe at recommended doses.”
• Melatonin, Yohimbine, DHEA, Kava and Piracetam will be moved from Schedule 4 to Schedule 1.
• Alpha-GPC, Aniracetam, Citicoline, Dimethylethanolamine, Galantamine, Huperzine A, 5-Hydroxytryptophan, Nefiracetam, Noopept, Oxiracetam, Phenibut, Phenylpiracetam, Picamilon, Pramiracetam, Pyritinol, Sulbutiamine, Tianeptine and Vinpocetine will be added to Schedule 1.
• Any other drugs that have a similar safety profile will be added to Schedule 1 if not already patented.
• Controlled Substances Act 1984 section 4 part 2 will apply to Schedule 1.
• Changes will be added so that laws on Schedule 1 will reflect Schedule 2, with the addition of a disclaimer must be displayed stating “There may be unknown side effects, personal research should be done to find the full range of effects and this should not be taken by those under the age of 18 or by pregnant women”.