Head-shops legislation comes into effect today

New legislation to tackle the supply and use of head-shop substances is to come into effect today.

The Psychoactive Substances Act 2010 makes it an offence, punishable by up to five years imprisonment, to sell or supply the substances that were once legally available in outlets known as "head-shops".

The act applies to the sale of all unregulated psychoactive substances, in the event of new such substances becoming available.

Full search and seizure powers are provided to the Gardaí within the legislation.