Medical experts are warning of a potentially lethal new designer drug exploding in popularity across the United States this year. The stimulant is sold as “bath salts” and in many states it is perfectly legal.
The substance, sold as powder or crystals, is a man-made synthetic and often contains chemicals such as mephedrone and methylenedioxypyrovalerone, or MDPV, according to The New York Times. Despite a warning on the label indicating the product is “not for human consumption,” the drug is often snorted, smoked or injected, leading to dangerous side effects with severe psychological effects. In fact, emergency rooms and poison control centers are reporting a sharp increase in bath salt cases.
The Washington Post reported in January the chemicals might cause hallucinations, paranoia and an elevated heart rate. According to the stories, authorities say bath salts have been responsible for a number of suicides and that some people under the influence of the substance have committed murder.
Lawmakers in many states have attempted to ban the substance sold in head shops and convenience stores under such names as Ivory Wave, Bliss, White Lightning and Hurricane Charlie. Much like synthetic marijuana products sold as incense, bath salts often skirt the ban when the manufacturer slightly alters the chemical makeup of the product.
A complete ban by the Drug Enforcement Administration could take years because of a lengthy evaluation process, according to The Washington Post. However in February, U.S. Sen. Charles E. Schumer, (D-NY) introduced legislation that would make bath salts a Schedule I substance, the same classification as heroin and LSD.
I just smoked some Happy Times (bath salt).I’m trippin kinda hard but not really, and its not like a cocaine high. Its a little different. I guess its like a ice trip. Which is like just the insomnia and not all paranoid but some friends said that the after effects are what will get you. That you just stay awake for a very long time and pray to go to sleep!
My son had an episode with this substance this past weekend. It went under a different name, SPICE. He had an adverse reaction. One that sent him via emergency response team, ambulance to a level one trauma center. He took one, just one, puff. It caused his body to go into convulsion for 7-10 minutes. He colapsed and struck his head, lacerated his lower lip. He spent 3 horrible days in the hospital. Overnight in the Trauma Slot in the emergency room at Jamaica Hospital in New York.
This substance needs to be baned ASAP before someone dies or becomes brain damaged permanately. Our children are led to believe that because it is sold over the counter in many stores it is safe to use. Someone needs to help get this substance outlawed. It is dangerous.
Your son didn’t use Mephedrone nor did he use MDPV. Your son used Spice which is a synthetic cannaboid called JWH-018 – it mimics the effects of Cannabis. Mephedrone, on the other hand, mimics MDMA (ecstasy) and cocaine. MDPV mimics the effects of methamphetamine.
The relevance here to Juvenile Justice would be what, exactly?
Hi Mark:
For us at the JJIE.org, juvenile justice intersects with many issues that affect the lives of at-risk kids. That of course includes the intersection of drug usage and addiction.