FROM today, so-called 'legal highs' are no longer legal.

Good. As if we needed further evidence about how dangerous these substances can be, four men in Rochdale were hospitalised earlier this week after taking them.

The term 'legal highs' has been used to cover a wide range of drugs that had a psychoactive effect but which were not illegal. Until today, there was no way to prohibit their sale unless they had been specifically banned. They could even be sold over the counter.

That all changes today. The Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 bans them all, by making it an offence to produce or supply any substance intended for human consumption - apart from a list of exceptions including alcohol, nicotine and caffeine - that is 'capable of producing a psychoactive effect'.

Police in North Yorkshire have already pledged to take action against anyone producing, supplying or importing the substances.

They will also be speaking with local shops to ensure they are aware of the changes in the law.

Getting rid of these mind-bending drugs may not be as easy as that, of course.

Implementation of the new law was delayed for a month because of fears that the definition of what is a 'psychoactive substance' might not be enforceable.

There are also concerns that the new law may force those looking for a 'high' to go underground.

Nevertheless, today's change in the law is a real step in the right direction.

These substances can be extremely dangerous, not least because most people have no idea what is actually in them.

We look forward to this new law being vigorously enforced.