Varì, Maria Rosaria and Mannocchi, Giulio and Tittarelli, Roberta and Campanozzi, Laura Leondina and Nittari, Giulio and Feola, Alessandro and Umani Ronchi, Federica and Ricci, Giovanna (2020) New psychoactive substances: evolution in the exchange of information and innovative legal responses in the European Union. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17, (22), 8704. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17228704.
External website: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/17/22/8704
At the end of 2019, the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction was monitoring around 790 new psychoactive substances, more than twice the total number of controlled substances under the United Nations Conventions. These substances, which are not subject to international drug controls, include a wide range of molecules, including the assortment of drugs such as synthetic cannabinoids, stimulants, opiates, and benzodiazepines. Most of them are sold as "legal" substitutes for illicit drugs, while others are intended for small groups willing to experiment with them in order to know their possible new effects. At the national level, various measures have been taken to control new substances and many European countries have responded with specific legislation in favor of consumer safety and by extending or adapting existing drug laws to incorporate the new psychoactive substances. Moreover, since 1997, an early warning system has been created in Europe for identifying and responding quickly to the risks of new psychoactive substances. In order to establish a quicker and more effective system to address the criminal activities associated with new dangerous psychoactive substances, the European legal framework has considerably changed over the years.
J Health care, prevention, harm reduction and treatment > Risk and needs assessment > Risk assessment > Early warning monitoring system
MM-MO Crime and law > Substance use laws > Drug laws
N Communication, information and education > Information use and impact
N Communication, information and education > Information transfer / dissemination > Information transfer from research evidence to practice
VA Geographic area > Europe
VA Geographic area > Europe > Ireland
VA Geographic area > Europe > European Union
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