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               UN: 'Designer Drugs' Present Unforeseen Challenges

   by VOA News

   The [1]United Nations drug control agency says new drugs marketed as
   "legal highs" and "designer drugs" are emerging at an unprecedented
   rate and are posing unforeseen public health challenges.
   The U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime said in a report released Wednesday
   that the new psychoactive substances known as NPS are legal and sold
   openly, but have not been tested for safety.  The 2013 World Drug
   Report says the new drugs can be "far more dangerous" than traditional
   drugs.
   The UNODC report said the street names of the drugs, such as "spice,"
   "meow-meow" and "bath salts" can mislead young people into believing
   that the substances are "low-risk fun."
   The U.N. agency said it is urging the global community to monitor the
   emergence of the drugs and take appropriate actions.
   Meanwhile, the drug report revealed that cannabis remains "the most
   widely used illicit substance."
   The report noted that Afghanistan has retained its position as the
   world's leading producer and cultivator of opium.
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   [2]http://www.voanews.com/content/designer-drugs-present-unforeseen-cha
   llenges/1689463.html

References

   1. http://www.unodc.org/wdr/
   2. http://www.voanews.com/content/designer-drugs-present-unforeseen-challenges/1689463.html