Mr John Curran TD, Minister of State with responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy, opened a national conference on ‘legal highs’ organised by the regional drugs task forces on 26 January in Mullingar. Minister Curran said that he had expressed concerns about the sale of legal highs and their possible health hazards on numerous occasions in the last year. He has asked the Minister for Health and Children, who has responsibility in relation to the importation, exportation, production, supply and possession of a range of named narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances under the Misuse of Drugs Acts, 'to ensure that every effort is made to expedite the response to this issue through the early control of substances under that Act'. He has also asked the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment to examine issues relating to insurance and consumer protection.  

• Ephedrine, which is chemically similar to amphetamine, is available in head shops in the form of Sida cordifolia, which is not controlled in Ireland.  Two other forms of the drug, Ma Hung and synthetic ephedrine, are available in Ireland only on medical prescription dispensed by a pharmacist. The producers of one product containing Sida cordifolia state on the packaging that they take no responsibility for any consequences associated with its use. Chemically similar to amphetamine, ephedrine can induce dependence, psychosis, high blood pressure and increased heart rate.
• Morning glory (Ipomoea) and Hawaiian baby woodrose (Argyreia nervosa) are listed as ingredients in a number of head-shop products that may be labelled 'not for human consumption'. Both plants contain LSA (lysergic acid amide), a relative of LSD. The side effects of LSA and related chemicals include: apathy, tiredness, decreased psychomotor activity and feelings of unreality. As a form of lysergamide, LSA is controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
• Salvia divinorum (divine mint) contains chemicals called salvinorins that have a potency similar to that of LSD. Its use can lead to euphoria, feelings of levitation, out-of-body experience and, at high doses, uncontrolled delirium. The duration of its effects is short and the come-down is quick and therefore severe. It can induce mental health symptoms such as paranoia and derealisation. 
• Three types of hallucinogenic cacti containing mescaline are sold in head shops. Their common names are peyote, San Pedro and Peruvian torch. Mescaline from peyote induces hallucinations as well as nausea and vomiting. 
• Kratom, which contains mitragynine (an opioid agonist), is a leaf chewed in south-east Asia as a stimulant at low doses and as a painkiller or sedative at higher doses. It can cause constipation, weight loss, dependence, psychosis and withdrawal symptoms. It is not controlled in Ireland.
• Piperazines such as 1-benzylpiperazine (BZP), methylbenzylpiperazine, meta chlorophenyl-piperazine (mCPP) and 1-(4-fluorophenyl) piperazine are synthetic drugs with psychedelic and euphoric effects which mirror those of ecstasy. They are sold as an ingredient in recreational drugs known as ‘party pills’. BZP was banned in Europe in March 2008 and in Ireland in March 2009. Other forms of piperazine are not controlled in Ireland. BZP can lead to hyperthermia, high blood pressure, fast pulse, and convulsions. 
• Spice products are largely a mix of innocuous herbs, but six synthetic cannabinoids have been detected in the various spice products sold across Europe. Synthetic cannabinoids are more potent than the main psychoactive compound (THC) in natural cannabis, and do not contain the anti-psychotic substances found in natural cannabis. They may therefore lead to a higher incidence of psychosis associated with cannabinoid use. There is also potential for dependence. These products have been banned in eight countries across Europe.
• Cathinone is a naturally occurring stimulant found in the khat plant, and cathinones are a group of drugs related to amphetamine compounds Methcathinone, methylmeth-cathinone (mephedrone) and methedrone, derivatives of cathinone, are sold as 'legal highs' online and in head shops in Ireland and across Europe under a variety of names, such as MCAT, Snow, Charge. Some of these products are sold as bath salts or plant food. The contents listed on the package may contain the word 'ketones'. These compounds are advertised as a replacement for ‘Charlie’ (cocaine). Some users have reported injecting the compounds. The use of these drugs can induce anxiety and paranoia. Reports say that their use can become compulsive and can create a state of psychological dependence. Mephedrone was linked to two deaths in Sweden in 2008.