Recent seizures of synthetic drugs by the PSP have once again brought this issue to the forefront in Madeira. However, concern over these substances, also known as "legal highs," is not a new phenomenon in the region, having consistently entered the Madeiran public agenda from 2012 onwards.
At that time, warnings were issued about the risks of consumption and the ease of commercialization of these new psychoactive substances. The Legislative Assembly of Madeira even approved measures and its own legislation to combat the phenomenon, anticipating national solutions.
The closure of "smart shops" did not eradicate the problem, which evolved with the emergence of new synthetic compounds in the illicit market. Legislative updates in 2021 and 2023 reflect the continuous adaptation to rapid changes in this scenario, demonstrating that public concern over synthetic drugs has been ongoing for several years.
