Blanket ban will make it simpler for law enforcement to deal with unsafe drugs

The Psychoactive Substances Bill will prohibit and disrupt the production, distribution, sale and supply of new psychoactive substances (NPS) in the UK. They are often sold online or on the high street.

The ban will extend to the sale of nitrous oxide for human use – known as ‘laughing gas’ or ‘hippy crack’ – although its legitimate sale will not be affected.

National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for New Psychoactive Substances, Commander Simon Bray said:

“When people buy dangerous drugs they will generally have little idea how potent the drug is or what it may contain.

"Sadly we have seen too many people losing their lives or becoming seriously ill after taking so called “legal highs” under the impression that they are safe."

“A blanket ban on new psychoactive substances will make it simpler for law enforcement to deal with those drugs which are potentially unsafe but which may not yet be controlled.”