Research and analysis

Review of the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016

This review sought to measure changes in outcomes before and after the implementation of the Act, to provide an indication of whether its aims are being achieved.

• From: Home Office
• Published: 19 November 2018

Documents

Review of the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 (web accessible)

Ref: ISBN 978-1-5286-0863-3, CCS1118903070 11/18

PDF, 1.24 MB, 74 pages

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Review of the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 (print cover)

PDF, 108 KB, 1 page

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Review of the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 (print content)

PDF, 1.08 MB, 72 pages

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Details

The Psychoactive Substances Act 20161 (PSA) came into force on 26 May 2016 and created a blanket ban on the production, distribution, sale and supply of psychoactive substances in the United Kingdom for human consumption.

It gives police and other enforcement agencies a range of powers, including powers to:

• seize and destroy psychoactive substances
• search persons, premises and vehicles
• enter premises by warrant

Section 58 of the PSA requires the Secretary of State to review the operation of the Act after 30 months, prepare a report of the review, and give the report to Parliament. This report fulfils this commitment.

Published 19 November 2018