DASH - Isle of Man Drug Advice Helpline

Please note - inclusion of this page (like the others) does not condone or recommend the use of mind altering substances. It's here to inform only!

Herbal or Legal Highs refer to legal plant or chemical substances that are sold in 'head shops' and herbalists as well as on the internet. The substances are still drugs - legal or not and just because something is from a plant or laboratory, it does not mean it is safe! (Think of alcohol and tobacco!)

Herbal generally are the seeds, leaves, roots or stalks of legal plant substances that are reported to have similar effects to illegal drugs. Certain chemicals not covered by the misuse of drugs act are also used to make certain 'legal' pills and powders that avoid prosecution under the UK Misuse of Drug Act 1971.

Until recently the ‘legal’ highs sold were no more than psychedelically packed mixtures of herbs with no more effect that a bit whiffy when smoked, but things have moved on. The active ingredients used to be no more than minor stimulants such as ephedrine or caffeine but now times are changing with the market for 'party pills' similar to the effects of Ecstasy. The problem with that is you still don't know what you're buying chemically, effects can be similar and just as strong and people can still have problems with such drugs.

Over recent years there has been a boom in internet 'head shops' and sellers of what is now called legal highs with products although stating 'Not for human consumption' write ups state the effects are similar to existing illegal drugs.

Some people associate ‘natural’ as harmless but as with any substance there are always risks involved - lots of these products are dried and smoked – smoking anything effects the lungs so in that sense it is not safe. The effects of anything that alters a persons perceptions (i.e Hallucinagenic) will depend on the user, their state of mind, past experiences, who they are with etc... no two experiences will be the same, and for some this can be disastrous. Anyone suffering anxiety or past or present depression would be wise to avoid any of hallucinogens or 'party pills' that claim to be Central Nervous System stimulants.

Anyone with existing medical or mental health problems should avoid legal or herbal highs

Below is a list of popular choices known for their hallucinogenic properties or other effects and considered ‘Legall’ highs.

Reported in the media in the UK August 2010. Ivory Wave or Vanilla Sky has resulted in (to date) a small number of emergency admissions. Sold as 'bath salts' to avoid legal sanctions the legal high has been found to contain controlled drugs Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) - a class B drug. Use of MDPV can cause over stimulation of the heart and the same physical and mental health affects stand as with all stimulants.

Any concerns about physical or mental health get to A&E as soon as possible - you will not get in to trouble.

This hallucinogenic wildflower contains atropine, though it is the ingredient scopolamine which produces the hallucinogenic effects.

The user may feel drowsy, drugged up and detached form reality. Doses are difficult to judge and can cause unconsciousness and death. Again not a recommendation - if you have a history of depression or other mental health problems are not yourself at the moment - steer clear of any hallucinogenic herbal or manufactured drugs.

Currently available through most usual channels as well as existing illegal drug markets. Please read the dedicated Mephedrone page if you use or are considering using it.

Though many types of salvia exist (do not raid the garden as there are many different types!) – the potent form is salvia divinorum. The leaves of this plant are dried & smoked. It is also swallowed as herbs, pills or capsules. Effects range from mild to strong and depend on dose and individuality. It is a hallucinogenic stimulant & effects may last a few minutes with disorientation and dissociation from reality occurring - visual disturbances and time distortions.

KRATOM

A resin obtained from the leaves of this plant from Thailand, is used for a tea preparation. The dominant effects seem to be similar to opiate drugs and are describes as both stimulation and sedation. Effects can last up to 6 hours. There is little potential for harm. See detailed information link from HERE

EPHEDRA

Another name is Ma-Huang. Generally sold in capsules, this plant is a source of ephedrine – a stimulant with effects similar to amphetamine and therefore has some risks (see link). It is banned in USA and will probably soon be banned in the UK. Effects can last between 2 – 3 hours. See detailed information link from HERE

NOTE: Some people have reported a dependency on ephedrine.

PEYOTE

A Mexican cactus, peyote produces Mescaline - not to be confused with man made mescaline. Initially stimulating it then slows down reflexes and makes concentration difficult. It then becomes similar to LSD, a trip of which can last up to 12 hours. Whilst peyote is legal - the Mescaline extract itself is a class A drug in the UK and is illegal to possess or supply. For further detailed info on Peyote & Mescaline click HERE

GUARANA SEEDS

From the Brazilian plant paullina cupana. The powdered seeds have stimulant and caffeine-like effects. Often mixed with other stimulants in ‘herbal ecstasy’ products.

IPOMOEA (MORNING GLORY SEEDS, ARGYERIA NERVOSA)

The seeds of several varieties of Morning Glory (Ipomoea violacea) contain a naturally occurring tryptamine called Lysergic Acid Amide (LSA) which is closely related to LSD. Seeds are taken orally, and can be eaten whole or the active alkaloids can be extracted. Psychedelic effects last 6 – 10 hours. The seeds are NOT TO BE CONFUSED with those bought to grow in the garden.

BABY HAWAIIAN WOOD ROSE SEEDS

As a legal high product, seeds are also available as an extract or mixed with other similar products to create a psychedelic. Seeds contain LSA which increases euphoria and is a hallucinogenic stimulant. Effects last between 4 – 8 hours.

OTHER HERBAL HIGH'S LINKS

DRUGSCOPE

EROWID