Head Shops regulation Govt only to set up group to examine issue

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Cork Fine Gael TD Deirdre Clune raised the need for regulation of Head Shops as an adjournment debate in the Dáil last night.

Click here to view debate.

She called for the need for regulations after yesterday purchasing a legal high in a Head Shop near Leinster House that was packaged as a plant food.

Speaking in the Dáil last nigh Deputy Clune said:
“I visited a head shop today in Dublin and bought the product I have to hand. It cost €30 for five capsules and on the front of the package is written “Blow, intense euphoria, 18 year olds plus”.
“On the back of the package, the product is described as a plant food that is not suitable for human consumption. What kind of legal loophole or regulation is this packaging trying to get around? On the one hand, it promises intense euphoria for 18 year olds only, but on the other, it claims to be only suitable for plants.”
“I am particularly concerned about reports from health care workers in the past number of weeks, particularly media interviews with Dr. Chris Luke, a consultant in emergency medicine in Cork, who stated that in one weekend the accident and emergency department of Mercy University Hospital, Cork, had dealt with five cases associated with the use of such products.”

Replying on behalf of Minister for Health Mary Harney, Minister of State Dara Murphy stated:
“Under the national drugs strategy, which was published by the Minister of State, Deputy Curran, on 10 September 2009, it is intended to monitor the activities of head shops and all businesses involved in the sale of psychoactive substances with the objective of ensuring that no illegal activity is undertaken.”
“It also proposes that steps be taken to reform legislation in this respect where it is deemed to be appropriate. To this end and under the aegis of the national advisory committee on drugs, a research advisory group has been established to identify possible options for the regulation of head shops.”

After the Debate Deputy Clune who raised the issue in the Dáil commented:
“I am very disappointed with the Government’s lacklustre response to an issue that requires urgent regulation. Instead of action and regulation we are to get a review group.”

Deirdre CluneWhat did you think about this article? I would love to hear your opinion, please leave a comment below. Thank you!

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4 Responses to “Head Shops regulation Govt only to set up group to examine issue”

  1. The Legal Drug Trade « Conor Reidy Says:

    [...] consequences for an individual’s health. Fine Gael Deputy Deirdre Clune in a recent press release made note of: reports from health care workers in the past number of weeks, particularly media [...]

    January 27th, 2010 at 2:32 am
  2. josh talon Says:

    I purchased .5 grams of “Blow Intense Euphoria”(legal cocaine alternative)which was sold under the guise of bath salts-not for human consumption.A week after ingesting it ,I had a stroke as a result of carotid artery dissection.
    This is very concerning,as I am only 20 years old.Many illegal drugs available pose little harm in comparison to
    these “legal” highs because there is a history of human consumption,whereas with the legal highs people are human guinea pigs!

    January 27th, 2010 at 4:05 am
  3. Donncha Carroll Says:

    It is clear that regulation is the only possible solution to the current issures with Headshops.

    From the dawn of mankind, people have tried to change there mental state from meditaion to the use of a wide variety of drugs such as Psilicybn Mushrooms, Ayuhusa, Cactai, Cannabis and Alcohol. Drug use is an integral part of the human phycie, whatever that drug may be.

    People will always have a desire for drugs whether legal or illegal. Over the past number of years the rise of headshops have allowed people to use drugs much more safely without supporting criminals and the illegal drug trade which leaves people dead on our streets every week.
    By an outright ban on headshops the only result the government would achieve would be to drive young adults to drug dealers and the criminal drugs scene, as well of course losing out on hundreds of thousands of euro in VAT, the desire for drugs would not change!

    I and most people are all for regulation and control, just as tobacco is regulated. A system where the actual ingredients and chemicals are listed on the pack, where each chemical is vetted and reliable information provided, where responsible usage is promoted and where strict age limits are imposed.

    This is a far better alternative than a blanket ban which has been clearly seen not too work, from alcohol prohibition in the 1920′s to drugs such as Cannabis today!…

    Prohibition benefits no one but criminals!

    February 8th, 2010 at 6:58 pm
  4. Mark Keogh Says:

    All drugs, especially alcohol, should be regulated on both ends of the transaction (supplier and consumer). There should be a user licence for all drugs, even prescription drugs (guardians can provide prescription to their children). Forcing everyone to undertake an education course where they must show their knowledge and renew it every three years (free system) would remove the fear, as is said “to know is to grow”.

    March 3rd, 2010 at 12:15 am

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