| State announces emergency regulations to ban synthetic drugs known as "bath salts" |
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Baltimore, MD (October 18, 2011) - The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) announced that emergency regulations taking effect today ban the sale of synthetic drugs known as "bath salts" in Maryland by adding five substances, generically known as "bath salts" to the Schedule 1 Controlled Dangerous Substances list.
Emergency regulations were approved today by the Joint Committee on Administrative, Executive and Legislative Review, and take effect immediately. The emergency regulations codified an order issued this summer by Dr. Sharfstein to place “bath salts” on the Schedule 1 Controlled Dangerous Substance list.
"So-called 'bath salts' are dangerous drugs, and we have taken decisive action to ban their sale in Maryland," said DHMH Secretary Joshua M. Sharfstein, M.D.
"Bath salts" can be inhaled, ingested, smoked or injected. Users may develop cardiac and circulatory disturbances, agitation, delirium, paranoia and psychosis. There have been cases reported nationwide in which users have attempted to inflict injury on themselves or others. The agitation and delirium may persist for days to weeks.
As part of an investigation into bath salts, DHMH received comments from a number of individuals including elected officials, physicians, and family members of users of “bath salts.” These included reports of severe consequences and dangers resulting from the use of the substances.
Under Maryland law, Section 5-202(b) of the Criminal Law Article allows the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (the "Department") to add substances to the schedules of controlled dangerous substances.
For more information on the investigation and “bath salts,” visit http://www.dhmh.maryland.gov/news/bathsalts/index.html.
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| Last Updated on Thursday, 20 October 2011 08:03 |