Prosecuting Attorney

County of Summit

 

NEWS                                                                                                                                                                                     CONTACT: April Wiesner

For Immediate Release:                                                                                                                                                        Phone: (330) 643-8386

Friday, October 14, 2011                                                                                                                                                       wiesner@prosecutor.summitoh.net

 

 

Important Law Change Regarding Bath Salts

HB 64 to make designer drugs Schedule 1

 

AKRON, OHIO – October 14, 2011 – On Monday, October 17, HB 64 will go into effect, making the purchase, sale and possession of synthetic marijuana illegal. Popularly known as “K2,” “Spice” and “Bath Salts,” synthetic marijuana is readily available at many convenience stores throughout Ohio. Summit County Prosecuting Attorney Sherri Bevan Walsh advises anyone in possession of bath salts to dispose of them prior to October 17. This includes stores that may have the product on their shelves.

 

Bath salts, although currently legal, are a stimulant that produces a high similar to cocaine and marijuana. Known adverse reactions include hallucinations, delusions, extreme agitation and paranoia, rapid heart rate, loss of motor control and chest pains.

 

“Part of why baths salts are so dangerous is that they have been sold legally with little, if any, accountability, which gives the illusion that these products are safe for public consumption” said Prosecutor Walsh. “But they have been linked to numerous deaths, and the number of calls to poison control centers across the country this year has increased exponentially over last year.”

                                                                                                                   

Even though some stores may still have bath salts on their shelves, the product will be illegal as of October 17. Possessing, selling, purchasing and even gifting these products may result in criminal charges.

 

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