Federal Government Bans Bath Salts, Fake Pot

In early July 2012, President Obama signed a bill into law that instituted a federal ban on bath salts.

2012-08-04

August 04, 2012 (Press-News.org) For years, anyone with an Internet connection has been able to go online and order "legal alternatives" to illicit drugs. Though these products are often marketed as safe, many are actually much more dangerous than the drugs they aim to replace.

Take, for example, the synthetic drug known as "bath salts." The drug, which users can eat, smoke or inject, is designed to mimic the effects of stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine. Until recently, bath salts were legal, despite the fact that they were known to cause a number of dangerous side effects, including bizarre and sometimes psychotic behavior, hallucinations, convulsions and suicidal ideations.

In early July 2012, President Obama signed a bill into law that instituted a federal ban on bath salts. The bill also banned chemicals used to make synthetic marijuana and a number of other synthetic stimulants and hallucinogens.

Although these drugs were already banned in most states, the lack of a federal prohibition made it easy to purchase the drugs on the Internet, even if they weren't available in local stores.

Penalties for Synthetic-Drugs Crimes

The federal ban classifies bath salts and synthetic marijuana as Schedule I drugs. This is the most restricted category and includes drugs that are believed to have high potential for abuse and no currently recognized medical purposes. Other Schedule I drugs include cocaine, heroin and LSD.

A conviction under the new law could bring serious criminal penalties. Possession or sale of bath salts or synthetic marijuana is now punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Selling the drugs to somebody who is later killed or seriously injured could bring life in prison.

Because of these strict penalties, people who are arrested for synthetic-drug crimes need to take the charges seriously. In such a case, it is advisable to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney before talking to law enforcement.

Article provided by Patrick L. Hancock
Visit us at www.hancockcriminaldefense.com

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