New Psychoactive Substances in Europe and Portugal

Regulatory Framework, Evolution and Prospective Policy Directions

Abstract

New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) constitute an emerging threat that challenges legal‑regulatory systems, public health infrastructures and internal security models, due to their rapid chemical evolution, market digitalisation and hard‑to‑trace transnational circulation. Between 2008 and 2023, more than 1,200 NPS were identified worldwide, evidencing an unprecedented acceleration in molecular innovation. This article examines the European and Portuguese frameworks, focusing on the Autonomous Region of Madeira (RAM), and integrates consumption dynamics, legislative developments – including Law No. 55/2023 – and institutional adaptations. Based on documentary analysis of scientific literature, legislation, technical reports and epidemiological data, it identifies two critical biennia in RAM (2011–2012; 2022–2023), marked by peaks in psychiatric admissions and emergency presentations associated with synthetic cathinones and synthetic cannabinoids. The findings highlight extreme vulnerability during the period of smartshop proliferation and confirm RAM as a pioneering case in the adoption of administrative quarantine and an intersectoral governance model. Finally, the article proposes a prospective multi‑level governance framework, grounded in digital interoperability, enhanced laboratory capacity, cyber‑investigation and dynamic regulatory updating, aimed at an intelligent, anticipatory and preventive response ecosystem to NPS.