18/12/2017 (Agence Europe) – On Monday 18 December, the European Commission proposed submitting seven new psychoactive substances to control measures in the European Union. These include drugs currently known as “spice”, “herbal incense” and “legal weed”. Out of the seven substances identified as an increasing threat to public health in Europe, four of them are synthetic cannabinoids, whose effects as similar to those of cannabis but which are much more toxic. The other three are synthetic opioids very similar to fentanyl. According to the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA), more than 170 deaths in the EU and a significant increase in the number of severe intoxications have been linked to these toxic substances. The Commission proposal now has to be examined by the Council, which, in consultation with the European Parliament, will decide on whether to adopt the measures envisaged. (MF)