What are novel psychoactive agents, and why are they sparking alarm across public health circles?

In this episode of Substance Stories, we dive deep into the murky, rapidly evolving world of synthetic drugs — also known as novel psychoactive substances (NPS).

You’ve probably seen them: “spice,” “bath salts,” “incense” — legal-sounding products with terrifying consequences.

Marketed in convenience stores and tobacconists, these substances are not just risky — they’re often completely untested and wildly potent.

From synthetic cannabinoids that hijack your brain’s receptors to cathinone-based stimulants that mimic cocaine or meth, NPS are the result of a dangerous legal loophole: tweak a molecule slightly, and suddenly it’s legal — for now.

But the consequences can include psychosis, extreme addiction, and long-term health damage.

This episode explores how prohibitionist drug policies are backfiring, unintentionally driving users toward more harmful, unpredictable substances.

Learn why experts believe NPS represent one of the biggest failures of modern drug policy — and why education, regulation, and harm reduction are urgently needed.

If you care about public health, drug policy reform, or just want to understand the real risks behind these so-called “legal highs,” this is the video you need to watch.

Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction to Novel Psychoactive Agents

00:12 – What Are Novel Psychoactive Substances?

00:24 – Real-World Examples: Spice and Bath Salts

00:43 – Legal Loopholes and Synthetic Drug Creation

01:01 – Why These Drugs Are So Dangerous

01:15 – Synthetic Cannabis and Psychosis Risks

01:36 – Bath Salts: Synthetic Cathinones Explained

02:00 – The Challenge of Regulating New Substances02:18 – Mainstream Examples: Methadone and TCB

02:30 – Rapid Emergence of Novel Benzodiazepines

02:40 – The Broken System Behind Synthetic Drug Use

03:14 – A Case for Legalising Safer, Known Substances

03:26 – Misconceptions About “Legal” Drugs

03:45 – Final Warning and Closing Thoughts