Legal Highs

 

Due to increased costs and reduced purity of substances of abuse (e.g. cocaine), more prevalence has turned to “legal highs”, particularly by the younger population. “Legal highs” are psychoactive substances with similar effects to known illicit drugs, such a stimulation, sedation or hallucinations. However, they have a different chemical composition and are not currently regulated under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. They cannot be sold for human consumption, so are instead sold under the pretence of being plant feeder, bath salts of incence.

 

Legal highs can come in a variety of forms, including powders, tablets, liquid mixtures and smoking powders. The packaging tends to be brightly coloured with "catchy" names such as Clockwork Orange, Bliss and Mary Jane. Despite ingredient lists on the packaging, this is not always correct and the compound may be further adulterated. Some legal highs have been related to cases of poisoning, overdose, admission to mental health services and death. 

 

Just because they are "legal", it does not mean they are safe. Research has not yet been carried out to understand their safety profile, efficacy and interactions with other substances such as alcohol. However, this research is continuing, and some legal highs, such as Mephedrone (Miaow Miaow) have been reclassified to a Class A drug.