The Truth About Legal Highs – Zoom Testing
Most young people will have learned the term “legal highs” from friends, or possibly while at school, or maybe even in the media. In reality, there is great deal of information out there in regards to “legal highs” but the real question is, what are they and are they really such a big deal? Let’s take a quick look and find out.
Legal Highs, What Are They?
Here’s a quick look at the science of it all. Substances that give similar effects, or the same affects as ecstasy, cannabis, cocaine, or other illegal drugs, but are not yet controlled, are known as “legal highs”, “research chemicals” or “new psychoactive substances“. These drugs have not yet fallen under the control of the Misuse of Drugs Act. Because these substances are relatively new, there has not been significant research in regards to their effects and they still remain uncontrolled. These “legal highs” are being researched more and more in order to discover the dangers they may possess and to discover if they should actually be made illegal.
The Rise Of Designer Drugs
The world of “legal highs” is constantly evolving, with new substances popping up faster than lawmakers can keep up. These designer drugs are often created by tweaking the molecular structure of existing illegal substances, skirting the edges of legality.
Remember “bath salts”? They weren’t for your tub – they were synthetic stimulants that caused a media frenzy. Or how about “Spice,” the fake weed that’s anything but natural? These are just the tip of the iceberg.
The appeal? They’re easy to get and dodge drug tests. But here’s the kicker – users are essentially guinea pigs. No one knows the long-term effects, and what’s in the package today might be completely different tomorrow.
So, next time you hear about the latest “legal” party pill, remember: legal doesn’t mean safe. Your body doesn’t care about laws – it cares about chemicals. And with designer drugs, you’re playing a dangerous guessing game.
Why Is There So Much Interest In “Legal Highs”?
At this time, there has not been much useful research into the effects of “legal highs” on people. No one knows what the long term, medium-term, or short-term effects may be. Because of this, we are not always able to provide precise advice in regards to a particular named substance. However, there are some key facts that all “legal highs” commonly share:
- Just because possessing a drug may be legal, does not mean it is safe.
- It has become more and more clear that “legal highs” are, often times, far from being harmless and often carry comparable health risks to other drugs like speed, ecstasy, cocaine, and some of these substances may even have additional harmful effects.
- The use of “legal highs” carry risk, such as, drowsiness, reduced inhibitions, coma, seizures, paranoid and excited states, and the possibility of death.
- When used with alcohol or other drugs, there is an increase of these risks.
- Just because a substance is being sold as “legal” does not mean it is. Some of these substances have been found to actually contain one or more drugs that are indeed illegal. You might think you are carrying around a “legal high” drug that will not get you in trouble; however, the fact is, that it might be something entirely different and might even be a Class B illegal drug.
Here Is Something You Should Know
You should be aware that under current rules, teachers are allowed to confiscate and get rid of any and all “legal highs” they come across on school property, under the guidance of the school’s policy. In fact, now, a few of these so-called “legal highs” are banned substances; the drug that goes by the street name “meow meow” (mephedrone), was reclassified as a Class B substance in 2010.
In 2021 it was reported that psychoactive drugs such as Spice were becoming easier than ever to purchase, despite a ban which came into force in 2016. Partly this was due to the alarming rise in dark web drug sales which was fuelled, partially, by the lockdown in the UK during the coronavirus pandemic.
If You Feel You Are Being Pressured To Take A “Legal High”, Here Is Some Advice
The first thing you need to know is that you are not alone! Sometimes it is easy to feel and think that you are the only person that has not experimented with illegal or legal drugs; this is not so. In reality most people in your age group do not take drugs, so in actuality, you are in the majority. There are several issues that you need to establish for yourself. Where do you stand on issues such as alcohol, sex, and drugs? It is easier to stay true to yourself when you know your own mind.
Clearly and firmly say “No”! You do not need to make a big deal about it, just stay firm. If your friends continue in their efforts to persuade you, stand strong; you do not have to follow the crowd, you are your own person. Although your friends may not be showing it, they will respect you more if you remain decisive and clear about what you want to do and what you don’t.
Photo Credit: “FrogE Magic Plant Food” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by 666isMONEY ☮ ♥ & ☠
Zoom Testing is a leading UK drug testing company and a supplier of Drug Test Kits.
This post was originally published in May 2018 and was last updated in July 2024.
