A National Assembly for Wales Health and Social Care Committee report has outlined a number of actions it says are needed to tackle the harms of using new psychoactive substances ("NPS").
The Committee found that NPS, or "legal highs" as they are sometimes misleadingly called, are commonly marketed as safer and legal alternatives to illegal drugs. Information provided to the inquiry showed that NPS can be as addictive and dangerous as illegal drugs, with some drug users noting that their side effects can be worse than heroin and cocaine.
David Rees AM, Chair of the Committee, said,
"60 deaths involving NPS were reported in England and Wales during 2013, 15 per cent higher than the previous year. Although the number of deaths associated with alcohol and other substance misuse is higher, we are concerned to hear that the use of new psychoactive substances (NPS) has grown in Wales, and elsewhere, in recent years.
"The health and social harms caused by NPS use are worrying, and we want to shine a light on the practical steps that need to be taken to allow people to make more informed decisions about using these substances.
"We think the UK Government should move as quickly as possible to implement a ban the supply of NPS. However it's clear from our inquiry that changing the law will not solve the problem altogether – improved substance misuse education in schools, increased public awareness, and better treatment services are just as important for ensuring that the number of NPS users in Wales is reduced.
"The public needs to be aware that these so-called "legal highs" are often neither safe nor legal. Their side effects can be as serious as those caused by illegal drugs, and they can be as addictive and damaging too."
Report by the Health and Social Care Committee on the inquiry into new psychoactive substances (PDF, 1MB)