Psychoactive Substances Bill [HL] 2015–16

The Psychoactive Substances Bill 2015-16 seeks to ban the production, distribution, sale and supply of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS)—defined as any substance intended for human consumption that is “capable of producing a psychoactive effect” (and which is not an exempted substance). The Bill is intended to focus on the supply of NPS, and thus would not provide for a personal possession offence (with no intent to supply). The Bill would provide for civil sanctions such as prohibition notices and prohibition orders (breach of the latter would be a criminal offence), and provide for powers for the seizure and destruction of NPS, and powers to search persons, premises and vehicles, as well as to enter premises by warrant if necessary. The Bill is intended to apply to the whole of the UK.