Harney rules out herbal ecstasy ban

HEALTH Minister Mary Harney has said she has no plans to ban herbal ecstasy, despite concerns being raised about the pills, which produce a so-called legal high.

Herbal ecstasy is a term used to describe a combination of herbs that are legal and cheap. The pills are sold over the counter in a number of “alternative lifestyle” outlets in this country.

But medical experts have raised concerns about the pills, as they often contain benzylpiperazine (BZP), which can produce a similar high to amphetamines and has caused dangerous side- effects in some cases. BZP pills are banned in the US and Britain.