Is 4-AcO-DMT legal in New Zealand?
- Legal status
- 4-AcO-DMT is a Class C controlled drug analogue in New Zealand. Psilocine is a Class A controlled drug (Misuse of Drugs Act 1975, Schedule 1), and the Act's 'controlled drug analogue' definition captures any substance with a structure substantially similar to that of a controlled drug. O-acetylpsilocin, the acetate ester of psilocin, falls within that definition and is treated as a Class C drug rather than being named.
- Consequences if caught
- As a controlled drug analogue (Class C), possession or use is an offence carrying up to 3 months' imprisonment or a fine (with health-centred police discretion since the 2019 amendment); supply or manufacture carries up to 8 years.
- If prescribed or medical
- No approved therapeutic use; 4-AcO-DMT is available only under licence or approval for research.
- Documentation
- MoDA 1975 s2 'controlled drug analogue' definition; psilocine Class A (Schedule 1); analogues default to Class C.
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