The Government’s official drug advisers are to consider whether “legal high” drugs marketed as an alternative to cannabis should be banned.

The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) is investigating products such as Spice, which contain synthetic chemicals similar to those found in cannabis.

Professor David Nutt, the council’s chair, described the products as an “increasing threat” and warned that young people should be protected from them.

Spice and similar products such as Tribal Warrior are available over the internet and in some “head shops” for around £25 for three grams.

Some websites selling the products describe them as herbs which have been used by ancient cultures around the world, while others simply describe them as a legal alternative to cannabis.

Studies have found it contains components including JWH-018, a synthetic cannabinoid which has a similar effect to THC, the substance naturally found in the cannabis plant.

In its annual report published earlier this year, Prof Nutt warned: “the ACMD is concerned about the increasing use of the drug product ‘Spice’ a herbal preparation with added synthetic cannabinoids.”

The Home Secretary, Alan Johnson, has now asked Prof Nutt to look into the issue of legal high products, and whether legislation is needed to end their sale.

Proff Nutt said: “It is important that we remain at the forefront of managing these emerging trends and the harms of substance misuse.

“We need to get across that some of these legal highs pose a real danger.

“By looking at the evidence to see the harms caused by the various chemical compounds that make up these legal highs we will be able to give advice to the government on a scientific basis, allowing them to legislate and remain ahead of the game.”

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Synchronium said:

... I think the government think they're dangerous because people enjoy using them, not because they're actually dangerous. Here's some preliminary toxicology data on JWH-018. Then again, our current illegal drug classification makes literally no sense. Below is a (now out of date) a graph of each drug and the harm it actually causes to the individual and society. Notice where alcohol and tobacco are, both of which are technically legal highs.

July 29, 2009

Derek Williams said:

... If they allowed cannabis we wouldn't be getting these artificial drugs. As it is there's ever more synthetic chemicals being put on the market to satisfy the demand for recreational drugs. As long as we keep this stupid policy of prohibition we'll never get control of the trade. Legalise, control and regulate the drugs people really want.

July 29, 2009

jack said:

... think of how much money could be made from tax revenues if cannabis where legal

July 30, 2009

d said:

... lets sue the government for not making alcohol and tobabcco illegal because of them i have no liver and lungs because it gives the message that these are less harmfuland therfore we indulge in them more. if cannibia we legal i think more people would smoke it than tobaco!!

September 01, 2009

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