We, the concerned citizens of West Midlands, call upon the West Midlands Police to take immediate action and enforce the Psychoactive Substances Act (2016) effectively. This legislation was put in place to protect our communities from the harmful effects of psychoactive substances, commonly known as "legal highs", such as Nitrous Oxide (also known as 'NOS', 'laughing gas' or 'whippits')[1]

 However, it is disheartening to witness their continued availability and usage within our region. Indeed West Midlands confirmed to us last year, that there had only been 4 arrests since the Psychoactive Substances Act was implemented for supplying 'NOS'[2]. 

The Psychoactive Substances Act (2016) was introduced with the aim of banning the production, supply, and possession with intent to supply any substance that is capable of producing a psychoactive effect. Its purpose is to safeguard public health by preventing individuals from accessing dangerous substances that mimic illegal drugs but are not yet classified as such.

Unfortunately, despite this legislation being in place for several years now, there has been a lack of effective enforcement by West Midlands Police. This has resulted in an alarming increase in the availability and use of psychoactive substances across our communities. The consequences are dire – Nitrous Oxide has been linked to numerous incidents involving antisocial behaviour, hospitalizations, vehicle accidents and (rarely) deaths.

NOS-related hospital admissions have risen significantly over recent years [1].

These statistics highlight the urgent need for robust enforcement measures against those who continue to flout the law. Other police forces have successfully made arrests[4], but the West Midlands is failing to take action- even when the names and addresses of the suppliers are widely known and have been forwarded to both WMP and trading standards last year.

We acknowledge that policing resources may be stretched thin due to various challenges faced by law enforcement agencies. However, we firmly believe that prioritizing efforts towards enforcing this crucial legislation will yield substantial benefits for our communities' safety and well-being. In March, the government proposed banning the possession of NOS, however

 

such an approach risks stigmatising already disenfranchised communities, driving NOS use 'underground'. Such an approach has proven to be far from easy in the Netherlands, for example[6].

 

As a community, we urge the authorities to use the ENFORCEMENT of existing legislation at their disposal, such as the Psychoactive Substances Act and the use of Public Space Protection Orders (which are rarely if ever enforced) [3]

By signing this petition today:

1. We demand that West Midlands Police allocate sufficient resources towards enforcing the Psychoactive Substances Act (2016) effectively.

2. We demand that West Midlands Police takes action against the franchise of illegal NOS suppliers in our region. The Police already have the names and addresses of the shops. It is time to make some arrests and send a clear message to the criminal community.

Together, let us send a strong message that the safety and welfare of our communities are paramount. By enforcing the Psychoactive Substances Act (2016), we can protect vulnerable individuals, prevent further harm, and create a safer West Midlands for all.

Sources:
[1] https://news.sky.com/story/nitrous-oxide-how-buying-laughing-gas-from-corner-shops-is-as-easy-as-buying-a-loaf-of-bread-12812979

[2] https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/senior-cops-investigate-laughing-gas-25578741

[3] https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/pspo

[4] https://twitter.com/syptweet/status/1661719226002857987?s=20

[5] https://twitter.com/SWBHnhs/status/1619047721247162378?s=20

[6] https://www.dutchnews.nl/2023/07/no-joke-ban-on-laughing-gas-causes-storage-headache-for-police/