THE journalist, Rod Liddle recently wrote that pictures of people incapacitated as a result of synthetic cannabinoids were, for him, a “source of amusement”.

He described these people as “zombified imbeciles”.

Liddle is fast becoming the unthinking man’s Katie Hopkins, sharing cruel, unfunny observations on those unable to defend themselves.

The very next day there was a report on the death of a homeless man in his thirties who had been smoking a synthetic cannabinoid. I don’t find that a “source of amusement”.

At Brighton Housing Trust we have seen, on a daily basis, the shocking damage done to people, from temporary incapacitation, through extreme mental and physical harm, to death due to synthetic cannabinoids.

I don’t find that a “source of amusement”.

I don’t find the sight of a paranoid and terrified youth and his distressed mother, as she drops him off at our addiction services, a “source of amusement”.

Making so-called ‘legal highs’ illegal was a great move by the government. We have seen a huge decrease in their use as a result and society and the individuals adversely affected, becoming a little bit more healthy.

Perhaps Rod Liddle might not find it a source of amusement if someone he loves was at risk of severe, long term damage and even death due to smoking synthetic cannabinoids. He might become grateful that there are people working in drug rehabs up and down the country helping people to overcome their addictions to synthetic cannabinoids, alcohol and other drugs.

Andy Winter is Chief Executive of Brighton Housing Trust