Herbal highs.
Most of us have seen 'safe legal highs' on sale in magazines, at festivals, or over the Internet. But how legal are they, and are they really totally safe?
Wormwood
The herb with a spicy, bitter taste that gives absinthe its unique kick. Contains thujones, chemicals that act on the same brain receptors as cannabis.
Highs: Narcotic-like effects, vivid dreams.
Lows: Wormwood contains a toxin that taken in high quantities can bring on tremors, convulsions, sleeplessness, miscarriage, paralysis, stomach problems, and brain damage.
The law: Absinthe was never formally banned in the UK, but was outlawed in many other countries.
Datura (AKA thorn apple, devil's apple, stinkweed)
The leaves and flowers of a plant that grows wild India, Mexico and the United States. Active ingredients are hyoscine and atropine.
Highs: Euphoria, visual distortion, hallucinations and sleep. Intoxication can last from a few hours to many days. Hallucinogenic effects are only achieved at near-fatal dosage levels.
Lows: Prolonged use can severely damage the heart, and cause amnesia, confusion and sluggishness. Smoking datura can cause blacking out and severe headaches.
The law: Not controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act but the Medicines Act states that possession is permitted for personal use only.
Guarana
A berry that grows in Venezuela and the north of Brazil. Contains guaranine, a substance similar to caffeine.
Highs: A mild stimulant that quickens responses and delays sleep.
Lows: Unsuitable for those with heart problems or high blood pressure, may cause 'jittery' feelings and irritability.
The law: Not controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act. Widely available in health food shops.
Ayahuasca (AKA dead man's vine, yage)
A vine native to the Amazon basin. Active components are alkaloids.
Highs: Mental clouding, hallucinations with colourful visions.
Lows: Trembling and sweating shortly after taking this drug. Individual sensitivity is very variable, large doses may depress the central nervous system.
The law: Not controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act. Widely available in health food shops.
Yohimbe
The bark and roots of a tree that grows in Cameroon, Gabon and Zaire.
Highs: Stimulant, mild hallucinogen, and also reputed to be an aphrodisiac by some users. Effects last from two to four hours.
Lows: Side effects include racing heart rate, irritability, headache, nausea, sweating, dizziness and frequent urination. May be dangerous if mixed with anti-depressants, sedatives, antihistamines, or amphetamines. Anyone with a heart condition, kidney disease, glaucoma or history of gastric or duodenal ulcers should avoid this herb.
Legal: Not controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act but the Medicines Act states that possession is permitted for personal use only.
Salvia divinorum (AKA Mexican magic mint, holy sage)
A soft-leaved Mexican plant, containing psychoactive chemicals that have yet to be identified.
Highs: Strong effects can be difficult to attain from smoking dried leaf, but can cause short-lived colourful hallucinations, lasting up to two hours.
Lows: Some people also experience headaches and mild irritability following salvia use. May trigger latent psychological and mental problems.
The law: Not controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act but the Medicines Act states that possession is permitted for personal use only.
Damiana
Leaves from a shrub found throughout Mexico, Central and South America and the West Indies.
Highs: Higher doses of damiana may induce a mild sense of euphoria, lasting around on hour. Some users claim it is an aphrodisiac.
Lows: Higher intakes may cause diarrhoea, harsh on lungs if smoked.
The law: Not controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act but the Medicines Act states that possession is permitted for personal use only.