Ban on synthetic drugs takes effect
Associated Press
CINCINNATI
Ohio retailers no longer will be able to sell synthetic recreational drugs marketed as bath salts and K2 or spice, and use and possession of the substances also will be banned when a new state law goes into effect today.
The legislation signed by Gov. John Kasich in July adds synthetic marijuana known as K2 or spice and six synthetic derivatives of cathinone that have been found in bath salts to the list of Schedule 1 controlled substances. The products have been sold legally at convenience stores, tobacco shops and other businesses.
The K2 or spice contains organic leaves coated with chemicals that provide a marijuanalike high when smoked, and bath-salts drugs are crystallized chemicals typically snorted or injected that provide a cocainelike high, state Sen. Dave Burke, a joint sponsor of the legislation, said. The Marysville Republican, who also is a pharmacist, said the substances have been known to cause reactions including hallucinations, paranoia, severe agitation and seizures and that bath salts reportedly have been linked to deaths in Ohio and elsewhere.