The 'legal high' drug Mephedrone will be criminalised as soon as possible, but it's not known when that will be.

Yesterday, similar substances including BZP, GBL and 'Spice' became illegal in the Isle of Man, on the back of new regulations in the United Kingdom.

Mephedrone wasn't included on the list, and Health Minister Eddie Teare has confirmed he will be bringing forward emergency measures to deal with it next month.

In Tynwald last week the minister for home affairs said banning 'legal highs' wasn't the answer, but Mr Teare says, after further discussions, it's been decided to take a different approach (play audio file):

Mr Teare is taking advice on whether primary legislation would have to changed to bring in a Mephedrone ban, which could take up to six months.

If the matter could be handled by adjusting secondary legislation it would be much quicker.