Import ban on 'legal high' herbs

Side effects could include anxiety and an elevated heart rate

So-called "legal highs" have been banned from sale in shops in Jersey, following a change in UK regulations.

Herbal substances such as Spice are smoked by some people as an alternative to cannabis.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency says such substances have to be registered under the Traditional Herbal Registration scheme.

The island's chief pharmacist has refused to licence them as medicines, making it illegal to import them.

Although it is not illegal to possess them, Jersey's deputy medical officer of health has urged islanders not to smoke them.

Dr Susan Turnbull told BBC News research showed they contained dangerous substances which could be harmful.

Recorded side-effects of smoking the herbs, include elevated heart rates and anxiety.

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