'Legal herbal drug is as potent as cannabis' A legal herbal drug which is sold around the country is to be banned after studies showed that it is as powerful as some strains of strong cannabis. Spice, a herbal smoking mixture, is sold on the internet and in “head shops” as a legal high and nicotine-free smoke. In some cases it is even advertised as an “aromatic pot pourri”. The smoking mixture, which has synthetic additives, comes slickly packaged in sealed pouches — holding just under an ounce — at a cost of about £30. Although it purports to be an entirely natural mix of herbs and plants including Baybean and vanilla, the marijuana-type high that users get from Spice comes from a synthetic cannabinoid four or five times as potent as THC, the main psyschoactive substance in cannabis. Ministers are then expected to bring forward legislation in the autumn to ban the drug. The decision to recommend a ban on Spice is likely to be followed by action to outlaw other legal highs. Other 'legal highs' Salvia divinorum Rare plant found in Mexican mountains, smoked or chewed to give intense hallucinations. Drew controversy after suicide of American teenager who had used it. Banned in some US states and Australia Snow Blow Caffeine-based powder snorted to give an energetic, lively high. May cause dehydration and raise heart rate Mephedrone Marketed as “plant food”, 4-methylmethcathinone is a stimulant described as giving experiences similar to crystal meth. Banned in Sweden after death of 18-year old woman. Widespread popularity led Tayside police to warn clubbers about it last month Happy caps “Party pills” containing geranium extract and caffeine marketed to boost energy and “heighten awareness” Kratom Powdered extract from plants grown in Thailand. Narcotic with stimulant effects, though can work as sedative at higher doses with similar effects to opiates. Controlled in some areas of southeast Asia Sources: Shiva Head Shop, Herbal Highs, CoffeeSh0p, Research Chemicals, Times archive http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article6792687.ece
