Legislation introduced last year banned many of the products sold by head shops, as a result of which the number of head shops has slumped from 112 to just 12.
However, some of the remaining shops have stayed in business by sourcing “legal highs” not covered by the ban.
Minister for Health James Reilly yesterday began the process of banning many of these substances by securing the approval of Cabinet to declare them controlled substances under the Misuse of Drugs Act. The list was not available last night but it includes a number of cannabinoid substances.
The Government now has to notify the EU of its plans, which could run into problems if it is found that any of the substances have legitimate uses.