Romanian Senate Adopts Law Banning Psychoactive Drugs

The Government-sponsored bill received 102 votes for and one abstention. It says the unauthorized sale of psychoactive drugs shall incur a prison sentence of two to eight years, or 10 to 20 years if death occurs as a result of consumption.

Sale authorization will be obtained following lab tests that determine the products are not included in the list of banned substances. Authorities will be able to carry out controls at any time and seize the merchandise if it poses a public risk. The Ministry of Communications will take steps to block websites promoting such products.

Last year, the Government drew up a list of banned substances, in an effort to stop so-called "legal high" shops, which sell psychoactive drugs. According to the document, in 2009 there were 1,195 reported cases of people requesting hospital care, including minors. In 2010, there were 2,760 cases. So far, no such shop has applied to the Health Ministry for authorization.

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