A new “scratch and sniff” card developed in Fife could prove key to helping parents and teachers identify drug abuse among young people.
Balmullo firm St Andrew Print Solutions has created the card, called Drugs, Know Your Smells, which features separate drug fragrances that evoke the smell of four illegal substances: cannabis weed, cannabis resin, mephedrone and amphetamine.
The reverse side highlights the dangers of all New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) so-called legal highs and alcohol.
The company spent months developing the cards in conjunction with CAIR Scotland and is working on a proactive campaign to highlight health and community issues associated with drug taking.
The Dundee-based charity has already begun using the cards to help educate young people. They have also been welcomed by Fife’s Drug and Alcohol Project.
Each card contains non-harmful crystals which, when scratched, activate an odour. They can last from six to 12 months, depending on how many times each panel is scratched.
CAIR’s team manager in harm reduction services, Danny Kelly, said: “The cards can be used to inform parents or carers and emerging professionals of the distinct scent that derives from certain drugs.
“In addition, the cards can be used to educate those currently working within the field of substance use of the associated smells and increasing trends such as New Psychoactive Substances (NPS).”
North East Fife MP Stephen Gethins and the area’s MSP, Roderick Campbell, congratulated the firm’s print consultant, Ralph Chalmers.
Police Scotland and the Scottish Prison Service have expressed an interest in using the materials, according to the company.
Mr Gethins said: “This really is a new approach which should make raising awareness of illegal drugs and so-called legal highs easier.”
Mr Campbell, a member of Holyrood’s Justice Committee, said: “I have drawn this card to the Scottish Government’s attention and hope that it can be used to deter young people in particular from ever touching these harmful substances.”
Gemma Frail, project coordinator at Cupar Youth Caf, introduced the cards to young people attending a workshop recently.
The youths said the cards have given them “more understanding about drugs”, adding “the scents are so bad we didn’t like being around them”.