The UK Department of Health has recently announced that, following recommendations from its Advisory Council for the Misuse of Drugs (“UKACMD”), the 'legal high' Methoxetamine (known as ‘Mexxy’) has been made an illegal Class B drug with effect from 26 February 2013.  As the Isle of Man’s Misuse of Drugs Act 1976 stipulates that drugs which are classified as illegal in the UK are automatically also banned on the Island, this means that the Island’s temporary ban on Mexxy will not now need to be renewed at Tynwald’s June sitting.
 
Various other substances including O-desmethyltramadol (known as Krypton when blended with another substance) and some new synthetic cannabinoids (such as those contained in Black Mamba and Annihilation) have also been re-classified as illegal Class B drugs in the UK and are also now banned in the Isle of Man.
 
In April 2012, Mexxy was made the subject of a Temporary Class Drug Order in the UK whilst further investigations were undertaken by the UKACMD.  In the Isle of Man, a similar ban came into effect from 1 July 2012 introduced by the Department of Health, following advice from the Isle of Man Advisory Council for the Misuse of Drugs (IOMACMD).
 
Following further investigations, the UKACMD indicated that the temporary ban had a real and immediate impact on tackling internet sales of Mexxy, with a significant proportion of UK websites ceasing to advertise its sale, and recommended a ban that the UK Government accepted.
 
Minister for Health, David Anderson MHK, said: “This legislation is in place to protect the public and we welcome the decision to re-classify these substances and compounds as illegal Class B drugs. By raising awareness of the increased health risks from drug misuse, we can work together with the Department of Home Affairs in tackling the issue head on at a legislative level.  People who use illegal drugs are making lifestyle choices that can pose serious risks to health and can sometimes cause loss of life; often because they do not know what they are taking and the drugs may contain other harmful blends of substances.”
 
Those who need more information or advice about substance misuse and addiction can contact the DrugAware Service at Motiv8 on their confidential phone line 627650, email drugaware@iom.com or they can visit the website www.motiv8.im.  Additional sources of advice include Crash Test Tim at www.crashtest.im and Talk to Frank at www.talktofrank.com.