THE CABINET decided yesterday to ban a range of substances sold in head shops. The ban will come into effect in June as a three-month notice period is legally required to implement it.
In a statement last night, the Government said that it had taken the decision due to public concern at the sale of so-called “legal highs” in head shops.
“The Government is very concerned about the real damage to people’s mental and physical health by the consumption of substances sold in head shops,” the statement read.
The move comes amid growing anger and protests from parents and anti-drugs groups about the growing number of head shops operating across the State.
Last month, Dr Bobby Smyth, consultant psychiatrist at the Health Service Executive Youth Drug and Alcohol service in Tallaght, said there was a “marked and definite” increase in the numbers of young people presenting with problems at his clinic after using head shop products.
Gardaí are also investigating two suspected arson attacks on head shops in Dublin city centre in recent weeks, which Garda sources believe my have been targeted by drug dealers angered at losing business.
The Government said the ban will apply to a range of herbal and synthetic substances. These include Spice, which is marketed as “potpourri” but smoked by users, and BZP derivatives, which mimic the effects of ecstasy.
Other products facing a ban include the would-be amphetamines mephedrone and methylone, as well as tapentodal, a painkiller type drug, and a number of psychotropic substances.
The sale and possession of these substances will now be made illegal and subject to criminal sanctions under the Misuse of Drugs Act. The legislation will come into effect in June after the three-month notice period required under the European technical standards directive.
Magic mushrooms were banned four years ago and their possession or sale is now illegal. In March of last year BZP was similarly subjected to controls and criminal sanctions.
“Banning substances is an important and necessary step. However, it is just one of a range of interventions needed to tackle substance abuse,” the statement said.
The Minister in charge of the National Drugs Strategy, John Curran, is currently considering the options available to more effectively control the activities of head shops in consultation with the Department of Health and An Garda Síochána.
Youth Work Ireland last night said the decision was welcome but long overdue. The organisation warned that there were a number of other similar products not covered by the new measures.
“There are many more substances which have had question marks raised about them. It is several years since these issues came to public attention yet it seems to take a long time to take action.
“Furthermore the regulations will not take effect until June. This seems perplexing,” said Michael McLoughlin of Youth Work Ireland.