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Vermont issues "bath salts" chemicals ban

NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Aug. 15, 2011

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Vermont has joined about 30 states attempting to combat the spread of synthetic drugs known as "bath salts" by banning two chemicals commonly used to make them.

Gov. Peter Shumlin announced Aug. 3 an emergency rule banning mephedrone and methylenedioxypyrovalerone in the state. Bath salts are powerful stimulants that cause a range of symptoms, including paranoia, hallucinations, and increased heart rate and blood pressure. They are sold legally in parts of the United States under names such as Cloud Nine and Ivory Wave.

"This is a very dangerous drug that has led to deaths around the country," Shumlin said. "While Vermont has not experienced the problems seen elsewhere at this point, we need to move now to ensure bath salts don't become the dangerous drug of choice here."

The American Medical Association supports a national bath salts ban. House and Senate bills to classify the chemicals as controlled substances are being considered.

Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/08/15/prbf0815.htm.

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