Pillay, Divina and Kelly, Brendan D (2010) Recreational drugs and health information provided in head shops. The Psychiatrist, 34, pp. 100-102. 10.1192/pb.bp.108.024646.
External website: http://pb.rcpsych.org/content/34/3/100.full
Aims and method:
To determine which recreational drugs are most readily offered in ‘head shops’, and what safety information is provided; and determine sales assistants’ knowledge about the mental health complications of cannabis. Researchers surveyed ten head shops in Dublin.
Results:
Sales assistants in all head shops described their products as legal and safe. Overall, 50% stated cannabis was generally not harmful, although 50% stated it might cause depression and 60% stated it might cause psychosis in susceptible people. Salvia was available in 90% of outlets, although sales assistants in 78% warned about its potency.
Clinical implications:
Legal, psychoactive drugs, some of which are banned in other jurisdictions, are readily available in Dublin head shops. Enhanced awareness and effective regulation are required.
MA-ML Social science, culture and community > Sociocultural aspects of substance use > Recreational drug use
B Substances > Cannabis / Marijuana
J Health care, prevention, harm reduction and treatment > Health related issues > Health information and education
B Substances > New (novel) psychoactive substances
G Health and disease > State of health
N Communication, information and education > Information use and impact
A Substance use and dependence > Effects or consequences
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