A legal high is achieved through smoking or consuming legal substances, usually an herb or herbal blend made to mimic the effects of illegal substances. Some legal highs are meant to give the user a calm, relaxing sensation. A popular illegal substance to mimic in legal smoking blends is cannabis. Other herbal highs are meant to be stimulants, meant to achieve effects similar to the drug ecstasy or other “club" pills. Still more herbal highs can give you psychedelic effects that mimic that of illegal mushrooms. These herbal blends are typically made of natural plants, roots, bark or seeds that have been known to create these sensations.

Various herbs that are used in these substances are typically well-known throughout the world as natural stimulants or sedatives and have been used by Shamans and other ancient herbal experts for centuries. These herbal blends, whether they be smoking blends or pills, are viewed by many to be a good alternative to illegal substances. By creating blends that help one achieve the same effects of illegal substances, those who are inclined to use those illegal substances now have a legal alternative. This helps to reduce dependency on illegal substances, can prevent people from legal persecution, and lower the incidences of illegal-substance related crime.

Many of these legal highs are considered “Drug Harm Minimisation Solutions." Essentially meaning that by making available these types of herbal substances, people may be inclined to use them as opposed to more dangerous, illegal substances that could potentially cause health problems, addictions and dangerous side effects, not to mention the legal repercussions of their use.

This isn’t to say that one interested in legal highs shouldn’t do their research. Even herbal highs can have side effects and should be thoroughly researched before experimentation. There are many different herbal highs available. If you are interested in trying some, there are a few things you should know. First is to research the effects that the substance may cause – you should always know what effect to expect. Look for shops that sell the herbal blends and offer a list of ingredients so you can do your own research on what the herbal high contains and its potential effects. Make sure that the legal high is also legal to buy and posses in your country. Legal highs sold in the UK, for example, are often not legal to ship to the U.S.

There are many benefits to alternative substances. Make sure that you do your research however, and that you know what you are getting before you try it.