MPs have warned that increasing use of synthetic cannabis, such as Spice, is becoming a “serious national problem”.
In a parliamentary debate this week, Tory MP Ben Bradley warned that drugs are having devastating effects on communities.
He said: “Synthetic cannabis is one of the cheapest drugs on the market but also one of the strongest. The effects of these drugs can leave users resembling zombies slumped in a state of semi-consciousness sometimes foaming at the mouth, sometimes passed out in the street”.
Devastating
In an earlier letter to the Home Office, more than 20 police and crime commissioners had called for synthetic cannabinoids to be reclassified as Class A drugs alongside heroin.
The Home Office has asked the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs to “refresh” its assessment of the substances.
Synthetic cannabinoids are currently classified as Class B recreational drugs.
‘Out of control’
The physical and psychological impacts of Spice, and other similar drugs, are comparable to Class A drugs like heroin, Mr Bradley added.
Spice was made illegal in 2016, but its potency is not currently reflected in UK drug laws.
Nick Baker, a former Spice addict, said he became “completely out of control”.
“I shoplifted to fund my addiction to Spice. In the end, I ended up going to prison”.