profession
Washington bans chemicals found in "bath salts"
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted May 9, 2011
Washington is among the latest states to try to stem use of the powerful stimulants known as "bath salts" by banning chemicals commonly found in the synthetic drugs.
The Washington State Board of Pharmacy on April 15 issued emergency rules to add 11 chemicals to its list of Schedule I controlled substances. The action makes it illegal to sell, possess, manufacture and deliver the chemicals or products containing them (link).
Several other states, including Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and North Dakota, have taken similar action, as have many counties and municipalities nationwide.
Sold online, in convenience stores and in smoke shops under names such as Ivory Wave, Hurricane Charlie and Red Dove, bath salts remain legal in much of the U.S. The drugs can cause violent and psychotic behavior, including paranoia and auditory or visual hallucinations, health experts say.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/05/09/prbf0509.htm.
