New Psychoactive substances (NPS): results of a questionnaire on the definition of NPS, proposals to establish a forensic centre for excellence, and improving data collection and information sharing

1. Introduction

1.1 Background

New Psychoactive Substances (NPS), also known as "legal highs", have risen to prominence in recent years, and stakeholders across Scotland have raised concerns about the impact of these substances on individuals, services and local communities. However, much is still unknown about the scale and associated harms of NPS use in Scotland.

In 2014, the Scottish Government established an NPS Evidence Group to consider how best to address existing gaps in knowledge relating to NPS, including improving routine data collection and information sharing^[1]. An Expert Review Group was also set up in order to examine the powers available in Scotland to tackle the sale and supply of NPS. The Expert Review Group published a report on 26 February 2015, which made a series of recommendations^[2]. These included a recommendation to develop a definition of NPS, as well as a recommendation to establish a national centre of excellence in forensic analysis to lead on the detection and identification of NPS in Scotland. It was also recommended that a national centre for excellence share information more widely, with for example hospitals and other relevant services, to build and maintain a knowledge base on NPS.

In addition to this work, the Home Office published the Psychoactive Substances Bill on 29 May 2015^[3]. This has a number of potential implications for Scottish stakeholders, both in terms of how NPS is defined, as well as in relation to the forensic capacity needed to support implementation. This legislation makes the ability to identify NPS, and to determine whether a substance is psychoactive, increasingly important.

In light of these developments, the Scottish Government issued a questionnaire on New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) in September 2015. The aim of the questionnaire was to gather views on three key areas: a definition of NPS, proposals to establish a Forensic Centre for Excellence, and options for improving data collection and information sharing. This report presents the results from the questionnaire, which closed on 2 December 2015. The full questionnaire is available at: https://consult.scotland.gov.uk/drug-research-team/new-psychoactive-substances.

The results presented in this report will be used as part of the evidence base to inform on-going discussions with the UK Government in relation to the Psychoactive Substances Act, and to further develop the Scottish Government's policy programme on NPS.