The new Psychoactive Substances Act, which comes into force on May 26th of this year, will introduce a blanket ban on the production, distribution, sale and supply of legal highs which are intended for human consumption. Sentences of up to seven years for offenders and new police powers are included in the Act and Police will now be able to shut down shops selling drug paraphernalia. They will have new powers to seize and destroy psychoactive substances, as well as carry out searches of people, premises and vehicles. Psychoactive substances are defined in the Act as a substance, intended for human consumption that is ‘capable of producing a psychoactive effect.’ However, it excludes substances such as food, alcohol, nicotine, caffeine and medical products. The sale of laughing gas, or nitrous oxide, the second most popular recreational drug in Britain is to be banned in the new Act. Commenting on the new Act Taunton Deane MP, Rebecca Pow said, ‘The Psychoactive Substances Act will introduce a blanket ban on the production, distribution, sale and supply of so called legal highs. The people of Taunton Deane played a part in inputting to the creation of this Act when I brought Home Secretary, Theresa May to the town to see the dire impacts of these drugs for herself. I understand there are concerns lest ‘legal highs are driven underground and I accept that the proposed legislation will not make the problem disappear but I believe that it will protect the majority of people who may be affected and ultimately will make our streets safer. In addition it will be important to provide the correct support for those users who are unfortunately already addicted to both ‘legal highs’ and other substances that are illegal. This will involve joint working between a range of parties.’ Chief Superintendent Ian Wylie, Somerset Area Commander commented, ‘The new Psychoactive Substances Act provides a great opportunity for communities to manage the challenges posed by so called ‘legal highs’ more effectively, reducing the detrimental impact on users of the substances and the wider impact on the local communities. We will be working closely with our Council partners and other agencies to ensure that we continue to manage the issues caused by legal highs as effectively as possible.’