Guernsey legal high ban
Guernsey one of the UK’s closest neighbours known for its tax haven status has taken a step towards controlling legal highs.
An announcement in April 2009 made by the islands’ Home Department and Health and Social Services Department said that a ban on the import and export of ‘legal highs’ for commercial use had been imposed.
The aim of the measure is not to criminalise the possession of the drugs.
Dr Stephen Bridgman, Director of Public Health said: “I have significant concerns about the effect these substances have on health.
“The clear recommendation from the Health and Social Services Department is that people should not use these products, due to the uncertain nature of the chemicals in them and the reported adverse effects on health.”
The decision to stop the trade in legal substances that have similar effects to illegal drugs is a change in approach from the traditional approach of banning drugs.
The move was made after a report from a drug and alcohol strategy group that collected the opinions of health care professionals on the island into the effects legal highs were having on individuals and the community.
Guernsey is now waiting for the introduction of a new medicines law which will ban the sale of any herbal remedies which does not have marketing authorisation.
Once the legislation has been passed by the UK government, the state of Guernsey will review the import and export ban.
Balihar Khalsa
