Legislation Targeting Synthetic Drugs

July 22, 2011 (Press-News.org) Legislation Targeting Synthetic Drugs

Pennsylvania is joining at least 13 other states in proposing legislation that would add synthetic drugs to the state's list of illegal substances, including bath salts and a drug known as 2C-E. The bill has passed both the state House and Senate.

Synthetically-produced drugs are designed to mimic the effects of other drugs. The drug 2C-E mimics LSD and Ecstasy, and was added to the bill at the request of the Pennsylvania District Attorney's Association. Other drugs that were already in the bill for consideration include synthetic marijuana and a hallucinogenic herb mixture called salvia divinorum.

MDPV is another drug covered by the bill. Commonly referred to as bath salts, it is a relatively new synthetic drug to the United States, having first been reported in 2010. Bath salts received a lot of national media attention when several states passed emergency bans after law enforcement agencies began receiving reports of bizarre and often deadly behavior by individuals taking the substance.

In one of the more prominent cases, a 23-year-old New Jersey man stands accused of killing his girlfriend, allegedly while taking bath salts. Reports such as these have sparked much of the legislation across the country that would ban synthetic drugs.

Effects of synthetic drugs can vary, but bath salts in particular are known to cause hallucinations, paranoia, anxiety, delusions, and can last for several days without relief. More serious effects, including seizures and kidney failure, have also been reported.

Many other states also have pending legislation to include synthetic drugs in their schedules of banned substances, and most states have had little trouble getting the bans passed. Other state laws include penalties for possession and preclude the sale of these substances at convenience stores, gas stations and smoke shops.

Though recently the focus of state legislators has been on synthetic drugs, prosecutors and law enforcement officials continue to pursue drug cases of all types. The penalties for any drug crime can be severe and may include jail time and heavy fines. If you are facing drug possession or trafficking charges, it is important to contact an experienced attorney to discuss your case.

Article provided by Brielmann Law Offices, PC
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