Inquiry into new psychoactive substances
The
National Assembly for Wales’ Health
and Social Care Committee undertook an inquiry into new psychoactive
substances.
The
terms of reference for this inquiry were to consider:
- 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”).
Evidence from the Public
The
Committee held a public consultation to gather evidence on this topic.
The
Committee issued a survey to gather evidence about awareness and use of
new psychoactive substances. A
summary
report (PDF, 349 KB) and summary
video were produced.
Evidence from the Minister
for Health and Social Services
The
Committee received evidence
from the Minister for Health and Social Services (PDF, 263KB).
Additional Information
Additional
information from the Minister for Health and Social Services (PDF, 158KB).
Engagement activity
Note
from the visits held on 2 October 2014 (PDF, 133KB).
Note
from the focus group events held on 2 October 2014 (PDF, 257KB).
Storify
The
Committee produced a Storify
of the inquiry.
The Committee’s report
The
Committee reported
(PDF, 1MB) in March 2015. An
updated summary report (PDF, 236KB) was published in March 2016 to reflect
the latest policy developments at the Welsh, UK and European levels.
The
UK Government’s Minister for Crime Prevention wrote to the Committee on 27
March 2015 to outline the Home Office’s view on the Committee’s report
(PDF, 69KB). The Welsh
Government responded (PDF, 295KB) in
May 2015.
Plenary debate
The
Plenary debate on the Committee’s report took place on 13
May 2015.
Help and support
If you or somebody you know has been affected by the use of new psychoactive substances, or if you
would like more information about them, you can contact DAN 24/7 for advice.
DAN 24/7 is a free and confidential helpline for anyone in Wales wanting
further information or help relating to drugs and or alcohol. You can find more
information here: http://www.dan247.org.uk/Drug_NewPsychoactiveSubstances.asp
Freephone: 0808 808 2234
or text DAN to: 81066
Business type: Committee Inquiry
Reason considered: Senedd Business;
Status: Complete
First published: 03/07/2014
Documents
- Inquiry into new psychoactive substances - Summary report
PDF 252 KB
- Correspondence from the UK Government’s Minister for Crime Prevention
PDF 68 KB
- Inquiry into new psychoactive substances - Summary Report (March 2016)
PDF 236 KB
Consultations
- New psychoactive substances (completed)