Psycho-active drugs contain chemicals which affect the brain of users. They may give users a pleasant feeling which is called a “high”. They were often called “party pills”. Drug users were able to buy 47 legal high drugs including synthetic cannabis from July 2013. The government thought these drugs were a low risk of causing problems. However, since that law was passed, some users of these drugs have had health problems, from vomiting to serious problems affecting their mental health.
The government therefore passed an urgent law to ban legal highs until they have been tested. From May 8th, they have been illegal. Shops cannot sell them.
Testing may be difficult because the government said these drugs would not be tested on animals. Most drugs are tested on rats, mice, rabbits or dogs. Other tests are available but they are expensive.
Vocabulary
- ban – not allowed, illegal
- affect – influence, bring a change
- synthetic – not natural, chemical
- risk – possible danger
Questions
- Do you think these drugs should be tested on animals?
- Do you think drug users will now find illegal ways of buying these drugs on the black market?
- Why were these drugs called ”party pills”?