Support for ban on certain legal highs
HEAD SHOPS COUNCILLORS BACK DRUG MINISTER'S MOVE
Head Candy on Wicklow's Main Street. INSET: Cllr. Gail Dunne.
Wednesday March 03 2010
DRUG MINISTER John Curran's move to ban a range of legal highs sold in 'Head-Shops' across the country has received the full backing of local councillors at both town and county council level.
The Junior Minister with responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy will take action this month to ban many of the substances legally sold behind the counter as alternatives to illegal substances such as cannabis, ecstasy and cocaine.
The appearance of the Head Candy Shop on Wicklow's Main Street last year caused plenty of controversy, and has been a heated
topic of debate at many a town council meeting. Each elected member sitting on the council has outlined their opposition to such shops, including Cllr. Gail Dunne.
'There has to some sort of legislation brought in because no one knows the psychological effects of these substances. I know of one child here in town who took days to come down after taking something purchased in a Head Shop. Personally I would like to see all of these shops closed, but a change in legislation is at least a start.' Later this month Ireland will extend the range of substances banned to include mephedrone, which is contained in products such as 'Charge' and 'Snow Blow.' The Health Research Board has claimed that mephedrone is being sold through some head shop as 'bath salts' and is also being used as a cocaine substitute, with some addicts reported to have 'injected' the salts.
European countries such as Germany, France, Austria, Luxembourg and Poland have already taken legal action to remove the synthetic cannabinoid 'Spice' from the market. That has only resulted in a new product named 'Smoke' replacing it. 'Spice' is still available in Irish head shops. Cllr. Dunne would also like to see a change in legislation which would mean anyone wishing to open up future head shops would have to apply to the council for change of usage to the premiss.
- Myles BUCHANAN
