Minutes:
(1) Diane Wright (KCC) gave a verbal update on “Legal Highs” now known as New Psychoactive substances. She emphasised that these substances were not safe and young people often thought that it was alright to take these substances as they were called “legal” highs. She stated that suppliers of these substances got around the issues with selling them by for example stated that the substances were “not for human consumption.” Diane stated that data for 2013/14 was being collected regarding those presenting for treatment and indicating New Psychoactive substances as their substance of choice. From the data so far only 8 people had said that it was their substance of first substance of choice it may be the case that for a greater number it was a secondary substance of choice. All of the figures for 2013/14 would be available by May 2014. KCA were carrying out work trying to identify young people who were presenting due to taking “legal highs”, as these substances sometimes had some positive effects so it was a challenge to get the message across to young people that these substances were not good. KCA were becoming recognised for their training and for producing age appropriate leaflets and treatment. It was not easy to find appropriate treatment for those using “legal highs”.
(2) Mark Rolfe (KCC trading standards) referred to the enforcement strategy and stated that the law in the area of “legal highs” was confused. When tested by the Home Office 18% of “legal highs” contained controlled drugs and in some cases contained dangerous chemicals. Trading Standards were looking at innovative ways that they could use consumer legislation to prevent the sale of “legal highs” in High Street shops.
(3) It was explained that there were 17 shops in Kent selling “legal highs” and the police had attended them to give advice, trading standards had tested some of the substances and found some controlled substances and some substances which were different to those described on the label. Legislation was not as helpful as it could be, the Crime Prevention Minster was due to start a nation review of this issue which was due to report back in spring 2015.
(4) Mark stated that a joint enforcement strategy was being developed to protect the people who used these substances, this was currently being checked by legal services
(5) Jess Mookherjee.(KCC – Public Health) stated that Public Health were looking at the links between “legal highs” and unintentional injury and self-harm. They were looking at hospital admission rates for “poison”. One of the key factors was the lack of data around this issue. There was a lot of mis-information around “legal highs” some young people claim to be taking a “legal high” when in fact it is oregano, therefore these was a need for a degree of caution around the data for degree of harm.
(6) The Partners discussed this issue and asked a number of questions which included the following:
· It was confirmed that of 52 samples of legal highs from shops in Kent , 2 had contained controlled drugs and these cases were with the Crown Prosecution Service.
· There was a need for more awareness around this issue and the risk of harm, Community Safety Partnerships were will to play a role regarding awareness raising in their area. It was suggested that a small group could look at appropriate material that could be circulated to schools etc.
· There was also the issue of people aged 20 – 30 enjoying “legal highs” it was not just an issue for young people. It was mentioned that schools/colleges and employers should also be involved in awareness raising.
· Alison Brett (CCG) offered to help with providing information on new users from A & E and GP sources. It was agreed that this would be very helpful and the data currently available was based on those that presented at treatment services. Jess agreed to triangulate all the data available from these different sources.
(7) It was agreed that there would be a progress report on this issue to a future meeting of the Partnership once the 2013/14 data was available.