Skip to Content

Law on legal highs to be reviewed.

The law banning legal highs in the UK is to undergo an urgent review following the collapse of the first case brought against it.

The case relates to trials of people charged with intending to supple laughing gas at music festivals, both cases were stopped when it was revealed that the drug is exempt, Nitrous Oxide is one of the most used so called ‘legal high drugs’ and it is disappointing that the new legislation, whilst intending to cover exactly this type of drug, failed to do so.

Nitrous Oxide is used day to day for pain relief, and the new law exempts medical products.

It’s our understanding that consideration is being given to how the law is to be amended or indeed if the law should be amended at all, I guess that all comes down to if you want it to work or not!

The Judge in one case said "nitrous oxide is plainly capable of coming within the definition of an exempted substance… and in my view, on this evidence; it plainly is an exempted substance".
All pending cases have been dropped and a review is being undertaken were a defendant has pleaded guilty.

The Law banning legal highs was launched in 2016, but we now understand that, even whilst the law was being passed, critics had warned that the law may be unenforceable.

The second body blow to the legislation is the clarity needed to fall under the category of a drug being ‘psychoactive’.

Scientists are working on an experiment to prove if a drug is psychoactive, although some scientists state than the only way is to scan the brain of the user whilst the drug is administered, which is clearly not practical.

It is estimated over 800,000 people in England and Wales used nitrous oxide last year, a huge number and perhaps a reflection on how much a deterrent the existing law is.

Law on legal highs to be reviewed.
Image Description
related news
recent articles
Double Jeopardy Law

What is Double Jeopardy? and is it still Law in the UK?..

link

Children and the Law - Car Safety

Up until a child reaches the age of 12, or 135 cm, a child must use a booster or car seat, when a child is not required to use a car seat or booster they must,..

Fraud Solicitors | Solicitors.com

Fraud Solicitors. Fraud could be described as a deception in order to secure unfair or unlawful gain, usually monetary...

Injunctions.

How to apply for one, and what is an injunction? - If you are seeking an injunction we would recommend that you take immediate advice...

What is a Section 60 notice?

Over 2000 section 60 notices have been issued in London last year..

link

Double Jeopardy Law

What is Double Jeopardy? and is it still Law in the UK?..

Handling Stolen Goods

What is meant by 'handling stolen goods'...

Neighbour Disputes | Trees and Hedges.

Neighbour Disputes can escalate to affect your life and enjoyment of your property, if handled in the wrong way they can cause tension and in some cases argumen..

Stop and Search Laws to be changed?

Police Chiefs are calling for a change in the 'stop and search' l..

link

Domestic Violence Guide

Domestic violence is not just physical violence, it can take many forms, which a person may use to control a partner, if you are suffering domestic violence cal..

Motoring Offences | Drink Driving.

Motoring Offences - Drink Driving.
If you have been stopped for drink driving it is important that you obtain legal advice as soon as possible and, to assist y..

Dangerous Driving.

You may have witnessed people driving, 'dangerously' or you may have been stopped for dangerous driving, but are you aware that there are other charges that fal..

Image Description
Is there anything wrong with this page? - any amendments will receive accreditation - email us

Solicitors.com are not a firm of solicitors, and any content on the site should not be used in substitute for obtaining Legal advice from a solicitor regulated in the UK, Solicitors.com recommends that you contact a firm of solicitors to discuss your individual legal requirement. Whilst we strive to bring you accurate up to date content, all content on this site is not legal advice and is not guaranteed to be correct. Use of this site does not create a client relationship.

Information by area of law
Back to top