New psychoactive substances in Ireland following the criminal justice (psychoactive substances) act-why all the pessimism?

Understanding the UK Psychoactive Substances Act

“…The Irish situation has also been recently assessed through a study of the National Drug Prevalence Survey and a study of the national database of drug‐related psychiatric admissions. The Prevalence Survey data showed a marked reduction in the population use of NPS from 2010 to 2015 . Additionally there was a sharp decline in the presentation of clients with NPS‐related substance use disorder over this time period.…”

“…The Prevalence Survey data showed a marked reduction in the population use of NPS from 2010 to 2015. 7 However, some areas of concern have remained or emerged since the Act, such as the supply of NPS by street dealers, the continued development of new substances, 22 the potential displacement from NPS to other harmful substances, and continued high levels of synthetic cannabinoid use among the homeless and prison populations.…”

“…Ireland and New Zealand (NZ) were amongst the first countries to put legislation in place in an attempt to deal with NPS. The recognition that Irish youth had the highest use of NPS in Europe mainly sourced from head shops led to a phased legislative approach by the Irish government. Initially over 100 substances were added to those controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act in May 2010 and then the Criminal Justice (Psychoactive Substances) Act was enacted in August 2010 .…”

“…The recognition that Irish youth had the highest use of NPS in Europe mainly sourced from head shops led to a phased legislative approach by the Irish government. Initially over 100 substances were added to those controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act in May 2010 and then the Criminal Justice (Psychoactive Substances) Act was enacted in August 2010 . This Act made it illegal to sell a psychoactive substance that may be used for human consumption and most of the head shops closed within months of the Act coming into force.…”

“…Initially over 100 substances were added to those controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act in May 2010 and then the Criminal Justice (Psychoactive Substances) Act was enacted in August 2010. 7,8 This Act made it illegal to sell a psychoactive substance that may be used for human consumption and most of the head shops closed within months of the Act coming into force. The NZ Psychoactive Substances Act 2013 took a different approach 9 and set up a legal framework for the testing, manufacture, sale and regulation of psychoactive products.…”