Mark Pawsey MP has taken up the case of one constituents fight against so called “legal highs” by highlighting it in a cross party debate at Westminster aimed at spelling out the problems they are causing.
Mark said: “Before my constituent came to visit me at one of my regular advice surgeries, I knew very little about the growing menace of these so call “legal highs”. I was unaware of the devastating effects they have on families and how they endanger the health of people taking them, which in some cases have led to long term medical conditions and sadly some young lives have been lost as a result of an addiction to them.
“Much of the problem with these substances, is that the people who use them are enjoying what they see as a recreational product and are often completely unaware of the dangers they can cause. Unlike the use of more conventional illegal drugs, users do not understand where the use of “legal highs” may take them, and as a consequence they do not present themselves at more conventional drug treatment centres.
“These products are mass manufactured and we are now seeing them offered for sale in high street shops, which I believe is regretfully providing some legitimacy to them. Using the word “legal” in their common description, implies safety, and that is a misconception. Therefore, I am keen to use terms such as “untested highs” or “danger highs.
“During the debate, I was able to draw to the Home Office Ministers attention the work being done by my constituent, Richard Smith, whose son became addicted to these substances and has since set up his own company offering education and harm reduction advice.”