What Are Herbal Party Pills?

Herbal party pills are supplements marketed as a safe and legal alternative to illegal drugs such as amphetamines and hallucinogens. They have gained popularity in retailers across North America and Europe, and most notably through online sales.

Legal

• Herbal party pills are marketed as safe and legal versions of popular illegal drugs such as ecstasy and speed. They are sold as pills or powders. However, online retailers urge you to consult your government's controlled substance list before making a purchase.

No Addiction or Harmful Side Effects

• Because they are often advertised as safe and natural, many herbal party pill shops claim that the pills do not cause addiction and result in few, if any, harmful side effects. Many claim to be be 100 percent natural.

BZP Ban

• Benzylpiperazine (BZP) is an active ingredient in party pills that has been used as an alternative to drugs such as ecstasy. With effects similar to amphetamines, it has been banned in some countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and other parts of Europe. While some retailers claim that it is natural, BZP is actually synthetic.

Online Retailers

• Sales of herbal party pills online have grown in recent years. Pills that increase energy, euphoria and sexual performance are sold. Online retailers have had to contend with new government legislation and bans, and thus some products can no longer be shipped to certain countries.

Herbal Smokes

• The legality of several herbal smokes is also being debated in several countries, such as salvia and marijuana alternatives like Spice.