SandBoxBlogs: KKCO 11 News "New Law Prohibits Sale and Possession of Bath Salts "

Christy Dimond:
"Yesterday, Governor Hickenlooper signed a bill making it illegal to use, sell and possess cathinones, which are the family of chemicals in bath salts.

"Yesterday was a big victory for families, for law enforcement and really the state at large," says Jim Schrant, Resident Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Bath salts have a dangerous, sometimes deadly effect on those who try it.

"Just like that, an overdose, a suicide attempt. This is really like playing with a time bomb," Schrant says.

This time bomb may be particularly hard to catch. It's sold as an assortment of things including stain remover, plant food and crystals. One thing that all forms have in common is who they're marketing to.

"This stuff is being produced in China, Mexico and India for the sole purpose of being sold to young people here in the US," he says.

"I think that that's completely wrong of local businesses to market products that aren't good for you towards kids when they're more liable to buy them," says Grand Junction Resident Christopher Little.

Schrant says the packaging is colorful with words like "excite" and "wow." Under the new law, any businesses caught selling anything with these ingredients will face a hefty penalty.

"In our view it's just like drug trafficking and will be treated legally just like drug trafficking even if it's just a convenient store or head shop," he says.

They're looking to stop the manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors of bath salts. But this law doesn't solve the problem when science gets a step ahead of the law.

"They're trying new chemical compounds that aren't illegal to try to replicate the effects of bath salts," Schrant says.

That's why, he says, it needs to be a community effort.

"It needs to be a partnership with the community and law enforcement. We're going to do what we can to keep this out of the kids' hands but we really need awareness and education by the parents, teachers, kids and their friends to realize this is really a problem," Schrant says...."

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SandBoxBlogs: Colorado House GOP "Measure to create penalties for “bath salts” passes committee"

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"DENVER—A measure sponsored by state Rep. J. Paul Brown that redefines cathinones—or “bath salts”—as a controlled substance unanimously passed the House Judiciary Committee today.

Senate Bill 116 creates a new class three felony for a person who distributes, manufactures, dispenses or sells the substance.

“Bath salts are under the radar,” Brown, R-Durango, expressed.  “We need to shine a spotlight on these dangerous substances.”

Bath salts can produce a stimulant like effect and leave abusers with symptoms similar to cocaine, amphetamines and methamphetamines. Most routine drug screens do not detect the use of synthetic cathinones, appealing to those who must undergo mandatory drug screening. Bath salts are currently legal under Colorado law.

“These drugs are not independent, lone drugs.  They are often sold or used with other drugs as well,” explained Brown.  “They are inexpensive, accessible, hard to detect and devastate lives.”

The measure creates a new penalty for deceptive trade practices by anyone who distributes, manufactures, sells or purchases products containing a cathinone. Global shipping and internet networks facilitate distribution and sustain the sales of synthetic cathinones.

“Bath salts are marketed and labeled to circumvent current laws,” said Brown, R-Durango.  “This law will help to combat new problems and protect people.”

Senate Bill 116 now moves to the full House for further consideration....." (Read more? Click title)

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