Drug workers warn of legal highs
Drug workers in Shetland are warning of the potential dangers of the ‘legal high’ Mary Joe Pink after some users had to attend the Gilbert Bain Hospital’s accident and emergency department.
The Shetland Alcohol and Drug Partnership is now highlighting the risks associated with the herbal based drug which also comes under the names K2, Warning, Review or Annihilation.
Karen Smith of the partnership said although the drugs were not illegal, this didn’t mean they were safe.
“There have been no studies into the long term effects of this and other ‘legal highs’, so we have no idea what impact they can have on people’s mental and physical health.
“We are aware that a number of people have suffered health-related side effects in Shetland, and want to make the public aware of the risks associated with its use,” she said.
She added that the manufacture of these drugs being unregulated, make it impossible to know the drug’s strength, dosage or what is actually in it.
‘Legal’ drugs such as Mary Joe Pink are commonly purchased on the internet or in clubs, with dealers selling a variety of drug experiences which won’t land the user in jail.
It could be very possible that a far more addictive and dangerous substance could be hidden inside these ‘legal highs’.
The Community Alcohol and Drug Services Shetland can be contacted for anyone concerned about their own or another person’s use of any drug on 01595 695363.
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