Image posted on YouTube.

A plant food compound that has become one of Britain's favourite recreational drugs will become illegal in two weeks following its connection with 25 deaths in the country. A mephedrone consumer tells us why the ban could make it all the more dangerous.

Mephedrone, which is known by recreational drug users as "meow meow", "bubbles" and "MCAT", is a chemical compound originally used to feed plants. It's a synthetic form of cathinone, the active ingredient in the mildly narcotic leaves of the khat plant. Readily available online, a Google search for "Buy Mephedrone UK" produces 1,360,000 results.

Largely unheard of by the British public for over five years, the legal high came under the spotlight in November last year when the death of a 14-year-old was linked to the drug. Since then the UK tabloid press has launched a crusade to ban the legal sale of mephedrone.

Public concern pushed the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs to complete a report about the drug. Released on Monday (29 March), the council listed the following potential side effects: hallucinations, blood circulation problems, rashes, anxiety, paranoia, fits and delusions. The same day, parliament voted to ban the drug and categorise it as a Class B substance. As of 16 April, those running the websites that have been selling it will face up to 14 years in jail should they continue.

A print-screen of the homepage of one mephedrone supplier taken on Thursday, a few days after the ban was announced.