Legal Highsare in manycases not legal: Ford

Justice Minister David Ford claims so-called ‘legal highs’ sold in smart shops, head shops and over the internet are often actually illegal.
By Kevin Mullan
Published 9th Nov 2014, 09:25 BST
Northern Ireland Justice Minister David FordNorthern Ireland Justice Minister David Ford
Northern Ireland Justice Minister David Ford

“The phrase ‘Legal Highs’ is a misnomer - many already contain illegal substances and they are more appropriately termed as ‘New Psychoactive Substances,’” said Mr Ford.

Asked by DUP MLA Tom Buchanan what he was doing to curb the open sale of legal highs, Mr Ford said the Executive’s New Strategic Direction for Alcohol and Drugs 2011- 2016 (NSD) had identified New Psychoactive Substances as one of the key emerging issues.

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“The open sale of New Psychoactive Substances in head shops throughout Northern Ireland remains an issue of serious concern for my Department and many other stakeholders,” he said.

“The damage that can be caused to individuals, families and the community has been all too evident in recent times. These substances are uncontrolled and, tragically, their use can have fatal consequences,” he added.

Related topics:FordDUP