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Legal high database being created by scientists

A database of harmful substances known commonly as legal highs is currently being compiled by forensic scientists working in partnership with the Accident and Emergency departments in Scotland.

Doctors who are struggling to cope with the effects caused by the new psychoactive substances (NPS) have begun to collect various legal high pills when their users arrive at A&E. The substances are then passed on to the Scottish Police Authority (SPA), where they are analysed in an attempt to create a database that will serve as a reference for medical professionals and those who work with the police in forensics.

The director of forensic services at the SPA, Tom Nelson, stated that legal highs are responsible for around 10% of all the drugs currently being analysed. He said that legal highs are “something we’re keen to get involved in from a police perspective. We’re very keen to understand the impact the drugs are having on the individual as well. We’re analysing thousands of drugs every year. Over the last three or four years we’ve noticed a significant increase in the percentage of those drugs which are NPS.”

Scottish charities have warned that stores of legal highs are being stockpiled in anticipation of a new law. New legislation was supposed to be implemented earlier this month, but the bill has been postponed. When it comes into force, it will mean that any attempt to supply new psychoactive substances will be a criminal offence. However, being in possession of the substances will remain legal.

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