Drugs and alcohol
'Legal highs'
So-called 'legal highs' are substances that replicate the effects of illegal drugs. We are working toward introducing temporary bans on new 'legal highs', while health issues are are considered by independent experts.
While 'legal highs' mimic the effects of illegal drugs (such as cocaine, ecstasy and amphetamines), their chemical structure is slightly different, meaning they avoid being classified as illegal under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
The 'Crazy Chemist' featured on the campaign posters
Temporary bans
Action on stopping 'legal highs' coming on to the market is a priority for the government. The coalition agreement states, 'We will introduce a system of temporary bans on new "legal highs" while health issues are considered by independent experts. We will not permanently ban a substance without receiving full advice from the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs.'
'Legal highs' pose a significant health risk, so banning is a public health measure. A ban sends a clear message to users of 'legal highs' (including young people who may be considering trying them), and to those selling them. Young people in particular may equate legal with safe and do not always understand that these drugs carry real risks.
Mephedrone (often referred to as 'meow meow'), an earlier legal high, was made a class B drug in April 2010, while Naphyrone (often sold as 'NRG-1') was made a class B drug on 23 July 2010. Both these drugs are now illegal to have, sell or give away.
Awareness camapign
As well as taking forward new legislation, we are providing advice and information using the FRANK helpline and website. We are also working with the National Union of Students (NUS) over the 'freshers' period to:
- educate students on the health risks associated with the use of 'legal highs'
- inform students on the possible illegalities of the use of 'legal highs', as many so called 'legal highs' contain banned substances
- influence student attitudes and behaviour on 'legal highs'
The 'crazy chemist'
New resources have been produced to support the awareness initiative and are available for anyone who works with students aged 18 to 24. The aim is to place them in student unions and bars or other places where young people hang out. These FRANK-branded information resources use humour and hard facts to get the message across that 'legal highs' pose a real risk to health and, in fact, may not even be legal. The crazy chemist campaign warns people not to become human lab rats.
- download the 'crazy chemist' poster
- download the 'crazy chemist' postcard
There is more information about 'legal highs' on FRANK (new window) or you can call the FRANK helpline on 0800 77 66 00.
You can find out more about the health risks of taking legal highs and when to seek medical help on NHS Choices (new window).
Video
Latest on 'legal highs'
- Students warned about risks of 'legal highs' - 15 September 2010
- Temporary bans to fight back against 'legal highs' – 19 August 2010
- Temporary ban on 'legal highs' needed – 15 July 2010
- 'Legal high' Naphyrone banned – 12 July 2010
- Festival warned about 'legal highs' – 20 June 2010
