Raving with Legal Highs
Getting high is possible without defying the law.
“Party drugs”, as they are commonly known, are considered legal highs, which many people, especially younger ones, consume these days.
Also known as recreational drugs, many people still enjoy them despite the negative impression some people have about these drugs. However, the legal status of these drugs varies from country to country. In the United Kingdom, for instance, these mind-altering substances are openly sold in stores or online.
Ravers, festival goers and new agers, among others, are the typical users of these legal products, which are preferred substitutes for commonly used illegal drugs such as ecstasy and marijuana; these legal highs are natural and do not have effects as severe as the illegal drugs.
Most of these products are natural and herbal and are said to be safe, containing purely organic substances. These drugs aim to provide a euphoric mood to the users, although different effects may occur, such as overstimulation, hallucinations, lassitude, and pain reduction.
Legal high producing products are not prescribed for any particular medical conditions or any specific use. Pregnant women and people suffering from high-blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and those taking antidepressants or other prescription drugs should not use these products.
The most commonly used products for obtaining a legal high includes GBL, which is seen as an alternative for GHB or “liquid ecstasy”, the “date rape” pill. Synthetic cannabinoids and BZP, which is the legal alternative to amphetamine, are also frequently used legal highs.