Healthy Skepticism Library item: 17164

Warning: This library includes all items relevant to health product marketing that we are aware of regardless of quality. Often we do not agree with all or part of the contents.

Publication type: Journal Article

Hillebrand J, Olszewski D, Sedefov R.
Legal highs on the internet.
Subst Use Misuse 2010 Feb; 45:(3):330-40
http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.3109/10826080903443628

Abstract:

This article describes the findings of a descriptive analysis of 27 online drug retailers selling legal alternatives to illegal drugs, commonly referred to as “herbal highs” and “legal highs” in 2008 . The study attempted to quantify the online availability of drug retailers, to describe common products and characteristics in EU-based retail sales. The findings highlight the concern about the lack of objective information about products offered, including potential risks to health. Systems should be developed to assess the contents of products and the accuracy of information provided on the Internet, alongside continued monitoring of this market for “legal high” substances.