New psychoactive substances in Poland. The analysis of policy responses and its effects

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this article is to analyse the process of creation and implementation of policy on new psychoactive substances (NPS) in Poland in the context of definitional and legal issues, social and market response, implementation of prevention programmes and scientific knowledge. New psychoactive substances and policy response in Poland: New psychoactive substances are a subject to both criminal and administrative law in Poland. Two definitions that refer to NPS and two lists on which they can be placed are currently in force: the annex to the Act on Counteracting Drug Addiction and the annex to the regulation of the Minister of Health. Changes in legislation and the expansion of the list of scheduled substances in 2009-2015 were accompanied by an increase in health risks while the initial success of the policy was diminished with the revival of the NPS market. Streszczenie