The drug that locals at Oktoberfest can't get enough of

Oktoberfest is the annual festival in Munich, Germany which attracts thousands of beer drinkers every year.

Getting merry while wearing lederhosen and drinking huge glasses of beer has been a tradition since the 19th century.

Yet it appears that alcohol isn't the only thing that Oktoberfest punters are getting high on.

Now a white powder can be seen to be snorted on tables all over the festival.

Before you ask, no, this isn't a reenactment of Scarface. It is actually a perfectly legal drug known as Wiesn Koks, Oktoberfest cocaine or Wiesn Pulver.

Not dissimilar to snuff, this white substance is made up of menthol, sugar and glucose and is sold in small containers.

It is drug and tobacco free and punters reportedly can't get enough of it.

Don't believe us? There are plenty of images on Instagram of people enjoying the stuff, or should we say snuff?

By this point your probably wondering if it has any nasty side effects.

Fortunately it is harmless and merely gives you a sugar rush which is soon replaced by a cooling, sinus clearing sensation.

However, snorting anything up your nose can lead to serious damage.

NHS Choices says that snorting substances - such as the illegal drug cocaine - can damage the cartilage of your nose over time. You may also experience nose bleeds or pain.

It's possibly for this reason that the tradition could be under threat - as the Business Insider report that tent owners and security have been trying to crack down on it's use.

It's probably best to stick to drinking responsibly this year.

HT Business Insider, Stuff

More: Crisps are as addictive as hard drugs, according to science