More drugs 'could be controlled by government'

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by Change | 22 May 2009

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Two consultations have been launched by the Home Office to look into the control of substances which are open to misuse.

Public consultations to prevent drugs abuse of legal substances have been launched by the home secretary Jacqui Smith.

The consultations aim to be the next stage in controlling the market of so called 'legal highs'.

A range of steroids are being considered in the first consultation, including BZP, GBL and 1, 4-BD. These substances have legitimate uses as solvents. However, according to government research, they can be converted into the Class C drug GHB in the body.

Home secretary Jacqui Smith said: "I am determined that we respond to the dangers of these drugs and that is why I have committed to controlling them. It is absolutely right that we continue to adapt our drug policy to the changing environment of substance misuse."

The second consultation expresses the government's aim to control a group of related compounds that have very similar harms to BZP.

This target corresponds to advice published by the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs on this issue. The council proposes that BZP is brought under control of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

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