Bristol drugs charity backs ban on legal highs

A charity in Bristol says it welcomes new legislation coming into effect tomorrow (Thursday 26 May) - making all legal highs illegal.

Hawkspring, based in Hartcliffe, says it has been helping many families torn apart by legal highs. The new law will allow police to stop and search people to seize and destroy any substances found.

There are fears that the ban will just move the sale of legal highs underground and even increase drug-related deaths.

Avon and Somerset police say the problem is people assume 'legal' means safe:

A ban on legal highs will be introduced on Thursday 26 May Credit: PA

  • What is the new law?

The Psychoactive Substances Act will introduce a blanket ban on the production, distribution, sale and supply of legal highs, which are intended for human consumption.

  • When does it come into force?

The ban comes into force on May 26, 2016. It was supposed to come into force in early April but the date was pushed back. Ministers said they needed to "ensure the readiness of all the activity necessary to enable the smooth implementation"

This shop in Taunton selling legal highs was temporarily closed after complaints of anti-social behaviour - it has now shut Credit: ITV News

  • What are the penalties?

Tough sentences of up to seven years for offenders and new powers for police are included in the Act. Police will be able to shut down 'headshops' - a store which sells drug paraphernalia - and online dealers in the UK.

They will also have powers to seize and destroy psychoactive substances, as well as carry out searches of people, premises and vehicles.

Laughing gas canisters littering the ground at Glastonbury Festival - nitrous oxide will be made illegal under the new law Credit: PA

  • What is psychoactive?

Psychoactive substances are defined in the Act as a substance, intended for human consumption, that is "capable of producing a psychoactive effect" - they are substances that have a significant effect on mental processes.

  • What are the exemptions?

The law excludes "legitimate substances" such as food, alcohol, nicotine, caffeine and medical products.

Healthcare activities and scientific research are also exempt - as long as those involved have a legitimate need to use the psychoactive substances in their work.

Poppers, or alkyl nitrites, are not included in the ban as they are not classed as psychoactive substances.

  • Will the ban work?

Ministers and police say it will put some users off, but many experts have cast doubt over the claims.

A major report concluded that the relentless flood of new legal highs onto the market made controlling them all "unfeasible".