Some bath salts have been banned in New York state because of their cocaine or methamphetamine like effects when abused. The initial ban by Nirav Sha, Health Commissioner for New York State, may be followed by a nationwide ban if Senator Charles Schumer, New York, has his way.
There are hundreds of reports of hospitalizations linked to the use of these bath salts throughout the USA. They are sold online and in small convenience stores.
These bath salts are sold under various names, some of them are listed here:
- Ivory Wave
- Red Dove
- Snow Leopard
- Tranquility
- Vanilla Sky
- White Lightening
- Zoom
Doctors say they can cause:
- Chest pains
- Delusions
- Hallucinations
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Paranoia
- Suicidal behavior
- Violent behavior
The Commissioner’s banning order takes effect straight away. Nirav Sha is urging local officials to help to help get these products off the shelves as fast as possible.
Senator Charles Schumer is pushing for legislation that would class the substances in these products as controlled substances.
New York State Health Commissioner says these products are being sold as bath salts in an effort to mask their true purpose – to get an amphetamine high.
Commissioner Shah said:
“These chemicals marketed as bath salts are a growing and dangerous threat to the public health, and this action to end the sale and distribution of these harmful substances is a critical step needed to stop the proliferation of these drugs here in New York State.
These substances present a real and immediate threat to the health and safety of our young adults and the public at large.”
Further reading:
- “New Synthetic Drug “Bath Salts” Causing Zombie Chaos”
- “DEA Moves To Ban “Bath Salts” Stating Emergency, Imminent Hazard”
- “Recreational Drugs Sold As Bath Salts Causing Serious Public Health Concern, USA”
- “Man Who Chewed Another Man’s Face Had Only Marijuana”
Written by Christian Nordqvist