Pubdate: Wed, 02 Sep 2009
Source: Cyprus Mail, The (Cyprus)
Copyright: Cyprus Mail 2009
Contact:  http://www.cyprus-mail.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/100
Author: George Psyllides, Staff Writer

POLICE SET THEIR SIGHTS ON 'LEGAL HIGHS'

AUTHORITIES are taking a closer look at the sale of herbal drug
alternatives through Cyprus-based Internet websites, police said yesterday.

At least one of two websites makes these herbal incense mixtures
available in Cyprus with names such as Skunk - a clear reference to
the illegal potent strain of cannabis.

These are part of a reportedly growing market of so-called "legal
highs", some of which are banned in several countries but not in Cyprus.

Police however want to get a hold of a sample to test it and determine
the ingredients, Drug Law Enforcement Unit Commander Philipos Vrontos
told the Cyprus Mail.

The website says Skunk is "an aromatic herbal blend" that releases a
sweet fruity aroma when burned.

A legal highs UK-based website is not so modest, advertising Skunk as
"by far the strongest MJ alternative available."

One gram costs €25 in Cyprus while 3.5 grams cost €40.

The listed contact number did not immediately respond.

The website warns people not to use Skunk if they suffer from an
adverse heart condition. People who have been diagnosed with a medical
condition or are taking medicines should consult their doctor first.

A second website advertises Spice Spirit, banned in several countries,
as an exotic blend that releases a rich aroma when burned and is not
for human consumption.

Some experts say Spice contains a synthetic ingredient - JWH-018 --
that mimics the effects of cannabis.

THC Pharma, a specialist pharmaceutical laboratory commissioned by
municipal authorities in the German city of Frankfurt, reportedly
found varying quantities of JWH-018 in packages of Spice.

JWH-018 has now been banned in at least four EU countries - Germany,
Austria, Netherlands and Switzerland.

The proprietor of this website, who requested anonymity, said he did
not sell his products in Cyprus despite being contacted by several
people.

"I don't sell in Cyprus to have peace and quiet," he told the Cyprus
Mail.

Another product on this website that is banned in numerous European
countries is Salvia. It is used "as part of spiritual ceremonies and
traditional healing" and "has become a powerful tool for soul
searching and exploration of consciousness."

According to the Internet, Salvia Divinorum is a plant used for its
psychoactive effects: "Given the right dose, individual, set and
setting, it produces a unique state of divine inebriation."

Possession and sale of Salvia has been banned in various countries
including Australia, Belgium, Denmark, Italy and Sweden. A person
needs a doctor's prescription to use it in Estonia, Finland, Iceland
and Norway while Spain and Russia also ban its sale.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Richard R Smith Jr