The safe and responsible use of industrial gases has once again been thrust into the spotlight, this time for the right reasons, with action from the UK Government to protect young people from the dangers of ‘legal highs’ and target those who profit from their trade.
The government announced in May that it would publish a Bill to introduce a blanket ban on such substances, which are often sold online or on the high street. Newsagents, corner shops and dedicated ‘head shops’ offer these substances openly and in engaging packaging and product names.
Unfortunately, young people are drawn to such packaging and often believe that if substances are well presented and on open sale, they must be safe to try. The reality is, what is in the packet is uncontrolled and often based on opiate and cannabinoid chemistry.
Indeed, a Home Office statement notes that just because a drug is advertised as technically ‘legal’ this does not mean it is in fact lawful – or safe.
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