HEALTH will not rush into outlawing ‘legal high’ drugs such as Spice and pep pills. It held its second inter-departmental meeting to discuss concerns about use of the drugs. Director of public health Dr David Jeffs chaired it and said more research and consultation was needed before a decision could be made.

‘We considered advice from the Law Officers, which said that a number of ﾓlegal highsﾔ could be controlled relatively easily under our current Misuse of Drugs Ordinance,’ he said.

‘However, it was pointed out that there are literally hundreds of substances which have psychoactive properties and that the law has to be absolutely specific. Banning one or several substances could just mean that substitutes with similar effects would very quickly take their place.’

He said almost every department and organisation represented at the meeting had something to report.

‘Drug Concern told us that enquiries about ﾓlegal highsﾔ to Dads and Mums Against Drugs appeared to be increasing. The school nurses reported a problem in some schools. The police were also particularly concerned that there had been a couple of cases recently where cannabis may have been mixed with Spice, making detection more difficult.’

He said that Jersey shared his department’s concerns, but other jurisdictions preferred a ‘watch and wait’ tactic at present.

‘We all feel that we need to learn far more about the availability and effects of these substances and we will be inviting a visiting expert to meet with the various departments and with local health professionals to ensure that we have a sufficient knowledge base to recommend what is going to be best for Guernsey.’

Dr Jeffs warned against using such substances.

‘Just because they are not illegal does not mean that they are harmless. We were told by the mental health practitioners present at the meeting of a range of problems, including serious headaches and depression, which have arisen through their use.

‘Particularly in those who have previous drug problems, or otherwise have a vulnerable personality.’

Agencies will continue to collect information before the next meeting in October to discuss what further measures may be needed.