New legislation to tackle the scourge of so-called legal highs could spell the end for “head shops” in Aberdeen.
The Psychoactive Substances Bill reached Royal Assent in January, after almost a year of debate from when it was first proposed, and will become law today.
North East MSP Ross Thomson, who also serves as a councillor in the Granite City, has been campaigning since 2014 for tougher action on the dangerous substances that have been openly sold in shops in Aberdeen and elsewhere in Scotland.
Similar legislation was introduced in Ireland, which led to the shops disappearing from streets.
Mr Thomson said: “I have been pushing for changes to legislation for two years now and I am pleased to see the Psychoactive Substances Act coming into force.
“These lethal substances are causing serious problems in our society – with horrendous reports from NHS practitioners, social workers and our prison service about the serious impact that so-called legal highs can have.
“The shops that have been selling these substances have continued to operate or have popped up again when any local enforcement action has been taken.
“I hope that we will now see these shops disappearing from our streets, but we cannot afford to be complacent.
“There have been concerns raised that the problem could be driven underground and we must ensure that young people are well-educated on the dangers inherent in experimenting with these harmful and dangerous substances.”
With the new law now in force, it will be an offence to produce, supply or offer to supply any psychoactive substance.
Those who are caught supplying or in possession with intent to supply could face a jail term of up to seven years.