Consultation display

The National Assembly for Wales’ Health and Social Care Committee undertook an inquiry into new psychoactive substances.

The Committee considered the following areas as part of its inquiry:

• How to raise awareness of the harms associated with the use of new psychoactive substances among the public and those working in the relevant public services. 
• The capacity of local services across Wales to raise awareness of – and deal with the impact of – the harms associated with the use of new psychoactive substances.
• The effectiveness of data collection and reporting on the use of new psychoactive substances in Wales and their effects.
• The possible legislative approaches to tackling the issue of new psychoactive substances, at both Welsh Government and UK Government level.
• How effectively a partnership approach to tackling the issue of new psychoactive substances in Wales is being coordinated, both within Wales and between the Welsh and UK Governments.
• International evidence on approaches taken to new psychoactive substances in other countries.

To note: New psychoactive substances (often referred to as “legal highs”) are drugs which have been synthesised to mimic the effects of illegal drugs and which are sought for intoxicant use. Because they are newly created, they are not automatically controlled under drugs legislation (in the UK, the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971). The term may also include substances of herbal origin (“herbal highs”).

The consultation has now closed.