Hastings Forum

do you know what legal high means its being sold by a local trader and its legal lots of youngsters are buying it one man has died after taking it as a smoke another dropped down and spent two days in hospital I expect lots of parents don't know about this legal high you can find out about it on line

hello nannygee,

good to hear from you again.

'Legal Highs' are substances that mimic the effects of much harder drugs, probably making people feel either sedated, euphoric, or some even cause hallucinations, but they clearly can be very dangerous.
First thing to note is that they are not necessarily legal, just that the authorities have not yet had chance to examine and classify them under the dangerous drugs act or misuse of drugs act.
(note that ordinary household polishes and sprays can be misused also)
There are probably hundreds of 'legal highs' being created in chemical laboratories around the world every year.
Hopefully the 'powers that be' are concentrating on the ones that are causing the most concern as a priority.
It would easily be possible to report concerns about a local 'trader' to the Police who have powers to warn retailers about selling household products which are being 'abused' and Police in Eastbourne are already doing this.
The Police would give advice on your particular concerns and should be able to look into the matter and give you their 'take' on the situation, hopefully this means they would visit the local trader and warn him of their powers to shut him down immediately.

The following site gives key information and phone numbers if you are concerned.:

http://www.talktofrank.com/drug/legal-highs

Talk to an advisor on Telephone 0300 123 6600

You can call 101 instead of 999 to contact a community police officer who will take your comments on board and leave you their name and email and phone number for future concerns.
They usually arrange a further home visit and make sure they have all the details.

Unfortunately many substances like Helium, for filling Party balloons, are sold these days and, along with too much alcohol, could easily render a young person insensible.
With the variety of substances available it is difficult to ensure control, so you can see what a problem this presents to Policing.