Novel psychoactive substances: a worldwide problem that requires an adequate approach]

The use of new psychoactive substances (NPSI is increasing worldwide. Each year the number of NPS which are found through seizures in Belgium rises. The prevalence in the general population is unknown. In the Belgian nightlife at least 7% has already consumed an NPS at least once. NPS are alternatives for traditional illicit drugs (cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy, ...) made legal by adding a small modification within the chemical structure. But these modified substances are often more dangerous because there is little known about the acute and chronic effects, which could lead quickly to overdosing. Current legislation in Belgium uses a nominative list. However, this procedure is not suited to respond fast enough to the dynamic nature of NPS. In 2014 a new legislation based on generic classification was introduced as a solution and should be in place in 2015 in Belgium to reduce the rising number of legal drugs. An important consequence of generic classification is that certain medicines and other useful compounds will be included by this new law, which is a problem for the pharmaceutical industry and pharmacy. I cooperation with the FAGG exceptions for these substances were made.