“Bath Salts”, other synthetic drugs would be banned
HARRISBURG– State Senator Elder Vogel, Jr. announced today that Senate Bill 1006 unanimously passed the House and Senate and now awaits the Governor’s signature. This legislation would ban synthetically produced drugs designed to mimic the effects of other drugs. The ban is supported by law enforcement and the District Attorney’s Association.
This legislation would add Salvia Divinorum, Salvinorin A, Divinorin A, synthetic marijuana, a hallucinogenic compound called 2C, and synthetic amphetamine/heroin, more commonly referred to as concentrated bath salts, to the list of Schedule I controlled substances. The bill would also outlaw chemical compounds that are analogous to the listed substances so that the ingredients or manufacturing process cannot be altered slightly in an effort to bypass the law.
“These new synthetic drugs are very powerful and their use is growing throughout the Commonwealth. I think this legislation is a common sense approach to protecting our communities,” Senator Vogel said.
The chemicals found within these drugs are very powerful and can have life threatening consequences for users and those around them. Salvia Divinorum has been shown to be a powerful hallucinogen. Bath salts and synthetic marijuana mimic the effects of powerful drugs and many of these drugs are available over the internet or from local shops. This legislation would treat these substances the same as other Schedule I Controlled Substances and would carry the same penalties as other non-narcotic Schedule I offenses.
“I’m glad the House and Senate agreed to pass Senate Bill 1006 as quickly as possible. It’s imperative that we get these drugs off the streets,” Vogel added.
CONTACT: Joe Weidner
Harrisburg: (717) 787-3076
District Office: (724) 774-0444