大象传媒

Legal highs - is a blanket ban the answer?

New laws banning so-called legal highs come into effect at midnight tonight across the UK. Rather than just banning specific drugs, like Spice or mephedrone, the Psychoactive Substances Act makes it illegal to make or sell anything that has a psychoactive effect. It'll mean tough sentences for people who break the law - up to 7 years in jail - and so-called "head shops" could be shut down.

The aim is clear - campaigners say legal highs are a massive problem in our society - blighting lives.....this law will get them off the street, stop people selling them openly, stop casual users thinking they're safe because they are so easily available.

But some experts warn it won't work - it'll will just drive them underground, just putting users in the hands of illegal gangs. Are you someone who's taken these drugs - what's the attraction? Maybe you've seen the damage they do - to you or to a loved one...

Legal highs - is a blanket ban the answer?