New York State Bans Bath Salts
New York State joins the list of states banning the use and sale of bath salts, which are actually drug substances in powder form, typically sold online and in boutique stores. The drugs are linked to hallucinations, extreme paranoia and dangerous delusions by users, as well as life-threatening health effects.
Numerous reports of emergency room visits and hospitalizations are linked to bath salts across the country, under street names like White Lightning, Tranquility or Vanilla Sky. The formulas, typically sold in powder form, can cause dangerous spikes in blood pressure, suicidal tendencies or bouts of extreme aggression.
Bath salts are compared to drugs like amphetamines, LSD and cocaine for the type of "high" they produce, according to news reports. The active ingredient, known as MDPV, is also present in some fertilizers and is linked with highly stimulating responses. The substance isn't marketed or created for human consumption, which is why the drug is still for sale in many states. Users smoke, inject or snort bath salts, resulting in multiple poison control calls and emergency room visits nationwide.
Complicating the problem of rising use of bath salts is their availability. They can be purchased at convenience stores, smoke shops, Internet sites and other boutique shops. Their names can seem deceiving and benign, leading parents to miss the signs that their teen may be using the dangerous substances.
New York State's ban takes effect immediately, and officials are working to get the substances out of local stores.
