Recreational drugs and health information provided in head shops

Aims and method To determine which recreational drugs are most readily offered in 'head shops', and what safety information is provided; and determine sales assistants' knowledge about the mental health complications of cannabis. Researchers surveyed ten head shops in Dublin. Results...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The psychiatrist 2010-03, Vol.34 (3), p.100-102
Main Authors: Pillay, Divina, Kelly, Brendan D
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Assistants
Cannabis
Psychotropic drugs
Regulation
Sales
Shops
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Summary:Aims and method To determine which recreational drugs are most readily offered in 'head shops', and what safety information is provided; and determine sales assistants' knowledge about the mental health complications of cannabis. Researchers surveyed ten head shops in Dublin. Results Sales assistants in all head shops described their products as legal and safe. Overall, 50% stated cannabis was generally not harmful, although 50% stated it might cause depression and 60% stated it might cause psychosis in susceptible people. Salvia was available in 90% of outlets, although sales assistants in 78% warned about its potency. Clinical implications Legal, psychoactive drugs, some of which are banned in other jurisdictions, are readily available in Dublin head shops. Enhanced awareness and effective regulation are required.
ISSN:1758-3209
1758-3217
DOI:10.1192/pb.bp.108.024646