Big props to Grant Hall of the Star Trust. A formal statement will be made by the Star Trust on this issue by the end of the week.

I think what Grant says, on behalf of the industry, is good enough. It’s honest. And it’s better than we had any right to expect. Not good enough? Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.

But problems remain.

The Star Trust should never have been put in a position where its spokesman had to make such a statement. That no animal testing shall be required should have been written explicitly into the Psychoactive Substances Act. It’s not too late to leave animals out altogether. Be on the march next Tuesday 30 July.

The Star Trust is funded by private contributions from individuals and industry members who support drug policy reform, but operates as an independent entity being audited and overseen by a Board of Trustees. This allows us to represent the industry and to monitor a voluntary code of conduct for responsible operators.

A voluntary code of conduct for responsible operators? I’m all in favour of industry self-regulation and the good work of the Star Trust. But what about the irresponsible operators? The people who not so long ago were happy selling K2 to children via local dairies? They didn’t follow a voluntary code of conduct then. They won’t follow one now.