The growing popularity of synthetic drugs, including “fake pot” and “bath salts” has led to concerns in many quarters. These drugs mimic the effects of real drugs and can lead to injuries, illness, and death. According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers, the use of bath salts led to 1,511 emergency room visits as of April, compared to 302 incidents in 2010.
The National Conference of State Legislatures reports that the widespread use of synthetic drugs has gained the attention of legislatures, which are adding two classes of them—synthetic cannabinoids and substituted cathinones—to controlled substance schedules. Synthetic cannabinoids, commonly known as “Spice” or “K2” are structurally similar to and mimic the effects of THC, the active ingredient in marijuana. Substituted cathinones, known as “bath salts,” have similar effects to ecstasy and methamphetamine. According to the report, as of April 15, 2011, 21 states have legislatively banned synthetic cannabinoids and 10 have outlawed substituted cathinones.
