Community Corner

State Bans Bath Salts, Synthetic Drugs

Legislation comes in the wake of movement on Suffolk County, federal levels to outlaw "serious threat to public health."

Following Suffolk County's  – and just over a month after a – New York State this week outlawed the sale and possession of bath salts and synthetic drugs.

"Bath salts and other synthetic drugs pose a direct, serious threat to public health and safety, and we must do everything we can to remove these harmful substances from sale and distribution in New York," Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in a statement.

Synthetic drugs are slightly altered in their chemical compounds to avoid outlaw under existing drug laws. The products are then marketed under various names. Synthetic cocaine, according to Cuomo's office, has been dubbed White Lightning, Tranquility, Zoom, and other names. Designer marijuana as Spice, K2, and Blaze.

Find out what's happening in Northportwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

While similar, the altered drugs themselves can be just as - if not more - dangerous than the real thing, officials say.

Cuomo's office cited data from the New York State Poison Control Center: in 2010, there were 20 calls concerning synthetic marijuana poisonings. There were 291 in 2011, and 321 through the first six months of 2012.

Find out what's happening in Northportwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Violators will face fines up to $500 and up to 15 days in jail for either distributing or possessing the illicit drugs. Civil penalties could result in fines up to $2,000.

President Barack Obama signed a ban on bath salts in July. The state legislation will enable New York State authorities to pursue violators.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here