Cabinet sanctions banning of 10 additional 'legal highs'

THE CABINET has approved the placing of 10 more so-called “legal highs” under the Misuse of Drugs Acts.

THE CABINET has approved the placing of 10 more so-called “legal highs” under the Misuse of Drugs Acts.

Minister for Health James Reilly yesterday asked Government colleagues to agree to make an order bringing additional substances sold in “head shops” under the control of the Act.

The move was welcomed by Minister of State with responsibility for drugs strategy Róisín Shortall. “These new substances are dangerous and pose significant health risks for people who use them.”

In May 2010, approximately 200 substances, including synthetic cannabinoids and mephedrone, were placed under the control of under the Acts by then minister for health Mary Harney.The substances effectively banned yesterday include further cathinone substances, sometimes known as “Meow”, controlled in May 2010.

Mary Minihan

Mary Minihan

Mary Minihan is Features Editor of The Irish Times