What Are Legal Drugs
These are substances that mimic the effects of some illegal drugs such as ecstasy and speed, but are not controlled by the Misuse of Drugs Act. Recent changes have been made to the availability of many of these drugs, making it illegal to sell them without a legitimate license under the control of the Medicines Act.
Herbal Ecstasy
Ephedrine, Yohimbe, Salvia divinorum, Ma Huang, Cloud 9, Nirvana Plus, Ultimate Xphoria.
Herbal ecstasy has until recently been sold freely at dance events, clubs, concerts and festivals. They contain various herbs and extracts that are claimed to be hallucinogenic and / or stimulants. Packaging and vendors claim that they are a natural and safe substitute for ecstasy. Although they may be herbal or a herbal extract they are not necessarily safe, with side effects similar to synthetic drugs.
Ephedrine, Ma Huang, Yohimbine, Salvia And Ephenrine
Ephedrine and Ma Huang
Ephedrine is an extract of the Chinese herb Ma Huang (from the tree ephedra sinensis) which has been reported to have stimulant effects such as shivers up and down the spine, sensitive skin and muscles, and feelings of exhilaration. In China the herb Ma Huang is sold as a medicine and as an aphrodisiac. In the UK, it is sold as Cloud 9, Nirvana Plus, and other herbal highs said to mimic ecstasy. Higher doses can be quite unpleasant, possibly causing muscle spasms and even heart attack. It should not be used by people with heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, or kidney disease. Side effects include racing heart, dry throat, anxiety, tremor and cold feet and hands.
Yohimbine
Marketed as an aphrodisiac (and often referred to as herbal Viagra) and sold as an hallucinogenic with stimulant effects in some natural high capsules such as Yohimbix 8 or as an additive to other herbal highs. Derived from the West African Yohimba tree roots or bark, Corynanthe yohimbe or Pausinystalia yohimba, the drug increases the availability of noradrenaline (a ‘fight or flight’ hormone that stimulates the body) that in turn raises blood pressure and increases heart rate. The hallucinations are said to be quite strong and the effects on the body similar to that of ecstasy.
Salvia
Salvia is derived from the American plant Salvia Divinorum, a member of the mint family. It is used by the Mazatecs and others in Meso America in shaman rituals and healing. It is marketed in the UK as herbal ecstasy using names such as Eclipse, purchased dried for smoking (in large amounts) or as a herbal remedy under its botanical name. It’s effects are more hallucinatory than other legal highs – though high doses are usually needed to achieve these effects. The main active ingredient is thought to be salvinorum A.
Ephedrine
Ephedrine is a stimulant drug found in some over-the-counter medicines such as Sudafed, as a decongestant, and also in medicines to treat allergies and asthma. It is also sometimes found in tablets sold as ecstasy or herbal ecstasy.
Very little is known about these drugs. Proper controlled research is sparse and therefore side effects and possible dangers when taken with other drugs and even foods is not fully known.