Legislators make sale or possession of ‘bath salts’ a felony

CARSON CITY -- Nevada legislators unanimously approved a regulation Wednesday that makes it felony to sell or possess methamphetaminelike synthetic drugs sold in some head shops and convenience stores as "bath salts."

Without any debate, members of the Legislative Commission made permanent a regulation adopted by the Board of Pharmacy last month to outlaw substances that have led to at least two deaths in Nevada and caused dozens of residents to seek medical attention.

The regulation does not prohibit the sale or use of legitimate bath salts or lotions or soaps designed to provide soothing baths, but bans chemical substances that are used to get high but are referred to by users as bath salts.

They are sold under such names as Vanilla Sky, Purple Wave and White Lightning.

The substances look like cleanser and sell in small vials for $30 or more. Users generally snort or smoke the substances.

Action by the Legislative Commission, a group of 12 legislators, makes these chemical substance Schedule 1 controlled substances. Possession or sale of them could bring a one- to four-year prison term and $5,000 fine.

Although the Board of Pharmacy last month approved a regulation to stop sale of the synthetic drugs, a representative from the agency said the Legislative Commission action was necessary before law enforcement officers could move to prosecute those who sell the now prohibited substances.

During a legislative hearing in January, a drug counselor said the illicit drugs can make users scream and go literally out of their minds.

Nevada and other states have had difficulty in banning their use because manufacturers can make minor alternations in the compounds to get around laws and regulations.

Nevada state regulations already specify more than 140 chemicals that are Schedule 1 controlled substances.

Contact Capital Bureau Chief Ed Vogel at evogel@reviewjournal.com or 775-687-3901.