A CAMPAIGN to tackle so-called legal highs has reached an important final landmark. 

Three years ago the Evening Mail called for a blanket ban on the substances and received the backing of Barrow and Furness MP John Woodcock and Cumbria police. 

The substances, which mimic the effects of traditional drugs like ecstasy and cannabis, are outlawed from today amid concerns they have been linked to deaths and are fuelling anti-social behaviour.

Under the ban it is a crime to supply a psychoactive substances and offenders face a maximum of seven years in prison.

But individuals who possess the drug for personal use will not be criminalised.

Cumbria's officers have been given powers to stop and search people, vehicles and vessels, enter and search premises in accordance with a warrant, and to seize and destroy new psychoactive substances.

Evening Mail editor James Higgins said: "We launched this campaign three years ago amid real fears that a child could die because the substances were widely available locally.

"We welcome this move by the Government which will see a blanket ban on so-called 'legal highs' and help protect our children and communities."

Speaking about the new legislation Mr Woodcock said: "Too many people have had their lives destroyed by so-called ‘legal highs’ and it has been a long fight to get these destructive drugs banned. 

"I want to thank the Evening Mail for their campaign and everyone else who has helped to make the case for modern drug laws to tackle modern drugs. 

"We finally have a law that is fit for purpose, it is now up the police to make sure it is properly enforced."

Superintendent Rob O’Connor said there had been deaths right across the UK as a result of people taking the drugs, adding that even one death is one too many. 

He added: "Sadly people are gambling with their lives when they take these substances – they do not know what is in them and they do not realise the consequences and health implications involved. When they have been classed as legal, I think that has made people think they are safe to use, but that is far from the truth. 

"This new legislation will make a massive difference to how we police the issue. We are aware of shops across the county who are openly supplying and trading in these new psychoactive substances and this means that we have the powers to enter the premises, arrest, and put them before the courts."

The blanket ban on legal highs has been branded unscientific and its implementation has been delayed by more than a month amid concerns it is unenforceable.

What is the new legislation?

The Psychoactive Substances Act will introduce a blanket ban on the production, distribution, sale and supply of legal highs which are intended for human consumption. 

What are the penalties? Tough sentences of up to seven years for offenders and new powers for police are included in the Act. Police will be able to shut down 'headshops' - a store which sells drug paraphernalia - and online dealers in the UK. They will also have powers to seize and destroy psychoactive substances, as well as carry out searches of people, premises and vehicles. If a person is found to be in possession of a psychoactive substance in a custodial institution, they could now face a prison sentence of up to two years. 

What is psychoactive? Psychoactive substances are defined in the Act as a substance, intended for human consumption, that is "capable of producing a psychoactive effect". 

What are the exemptions? The law excludes "legitimate substances" such as food, alcohol, nicotine, caffeine and medical products. Healthcare activities and scientific research are also exempt from the act - so long as the people that have engaged in the activities have a legitimate need to use the psychoactive substances in their work.

Read more about our campaign  here  and  here

Need to know more about legal highs then  click here