Legislation to Ban Bath Salts Introduced

A state representative has filed legislation to make the sale or possession of “bath salts” illegal.

House Bill 199, filed by State Rep. Jay Neal (R-LaFayette) would ban the sale and possession of several dangerous chemicals marketed as “bath salts” according to a House Communications Office press release. 

Bath salts are available in many Georgia smoke shops and mimic the effects of cocaine and methamphetamines. Bath salts can be snorted, smoked or injected and result in a high similar to that caused by speed. Side effects include extreme paranoia, suicidal tendencies, hallucinations or death. 

“Narcotic Bath Salts create a growing concern within the state of Georgia. I have had several conversations with parents who have personally experienced their teenager citing the legality of this drug as justification for using it,” said Rep. Neal in a released statement.  “These are dangerous substances and we must act quickly to remove them from the shelves of the corner convenience store.”

Five chemicals would be specifically banned by the legislation: Methyenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), Methylmethcathinone (Mephedrone), Methylenedioxymethcathinone (Methylone), Methoxymethcathinone and Fluoromethcathinone.  These five chemicals are cathinones, a group of drugs similar to amphetamine compounds like ecstasy. 

These chemicals are currently sold online and in stores as plant fertilizer, insect repellant and fake “bath salts.”  The chemicals are commonly sold under the names Ivory Wave, White China, Infinity, Cloud-9, White Dove and Ocean and are available for as little as $20 a pack.

“Fake bath salt products have proven to produce extremely harmful effects in humans. Under the right conditions, the effects can be deadly!  We are pleased to see that the State of Georgia is taking a proactive approach to ban this group of chemicals,” said Dr. Gaylord Lopez, Director of the Georgia Poison Center.

Narcotic “bath salts” are currently unregulated in most states and can be legally purchased.  Several countries including Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and Israel have already banned the substances.  Louisiana and Florida recently banned the chemicals and several other states, including Kentucky and Mississippi, have pending legislation similar to HB 199.   

Last year, Rep. Neal introduced HB 1309 to ban K2 synthetic marijuana in Georgia. That bill was signed into law on May 24, 2010.  Rep. Neal has also helped sponsor Addiction Recovery Awareness Day at the State Capitol for the past three years and is currently the Co-Chairman of the Georgia Behavioral Health Legislative Caucus.

Rep. Neal represents the citizens of District 1, which includes portions of Catoosa and Walker counties.