Legal Highs
“Legal” doesn’t always mean safe!
The word legal is used above in inverted commas. This is because legal highs are legal to purchase but not for human consumption.
Legal highs come in various forms including powder, pills and seeds. Various types are available these are intended to be a “legal” replica of Cocaine, Speed, Ecstasy, Hashish and LSD.
The most reported “legal” high recently has been mephedrone aka m-cat, miaow miaow, charge or bubble to name a few slang terms. This was made illegal on the 16th April 2010 and made a class B drug which means it is illegal to have it on you (possession) or to sell it to someone (supply). This carries up to 5 years in jail and an unlimited fine for possession and up to 14 years in jail for supplying them. This decision was made due to the high number of deaths linked to the use of Mephedrone.
Mephedrone is being replaced with a similar type of drug that will produce similar results. This type of chemical make up over-stimulates the nervous and circulatory system.
Side effects include:
• Rapid heart rate and blood pressure affect circulation can cause blue hands and feet
• Fits, agitation and hallucinations and paranoia
• Stimulants can trigger psychosis which is having strange thoughts or beliefs, hearing and seeing things which aren’t really there and paranoia.
• Death
• Risks are higher if mixed with alcohol or other drugs.
• Amnesia
• Low mood during the “come down” the next day.
• Higher risk of being in a potentially dangerous situation to inhibitions being lowered.
People who make illegal drugs do so with human consumption in mind (although they are NOT safe or they would be legal).
The legal highs are made for plants and not with human consumption in mind so are legal (although NOT for human consumption).
“Legal” highs can be bought from the internet or from drug pariphinallea or “head” shops on your local high street. This unfortunately leads people to believe that they are safe despite the large harmful sign stating NOT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION.
Be aware that these drugs may be more potent than illegal drugs due to pharmaceutical purity and an, unknown alkaloid content. These drugs are new so the content is constantly changing so the risk is further increased. Be aware that these drugs may be doused with poisonous pesticides.
Another thing to consider is the effect on your future if you are caught possessing drugs it could affect your course or employability. For more information visit: www.talktofrank.com or “google” legal highs to find out more for yourself.
If you have any issues you would like to discuss or need any more information please contact us.
