U.S. prohibited chemical "bath salts" street drugs
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. authorities on Friday issued a temporary ban on chemicals used in a new type of street drug known as "bath salts" that is increasingly popular among teens.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) took emergency measures to make the possession and sale of these chemicals or products containing illegal in the United States.
"This emergency action was necessary to prevent an imminent threat to public safety," the DEA said in a statement.
At the federal level, the chemicals used to make bath salts - mephedrone, methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) and methylone - are prohibited at least one year.
The studies will determine whether the chemicals should be permanently prohibited.
The sites of action of chemicals on the list more restrictive of the DEA, reserved for substances with high potential for abuse and have no use currently accepted for treatment.
Bath salts are marketed under catchy names like "Ivory Wave", "Purple Wave," "Vanilla Sky" and "Bliss", and are composed of chemicals that mimic the effects of drugs like cocaine and LSD, said the authorities.
Users have reported altered perception, reduction of motor control, disorientation, extreme paranoia and violent episodes, with other unknown long-term physical and psychological effects.
Bath salts, sometimes sold as "plant foods" are growing in popularity among young adults and adolescents. They are sold at tobacco shops, gas stations, convenience stores and online, according to the DEA.
The products are usually marked "not for human consumption," but usually is inhaled, swallowed or injected by users. They have not been approved by federal regulators for human consumption or medical use.
Poison centers, hospitals and police have been receiving an increasing number of calls about products containing chemicals in bath salts, the DEA said.
U.S. prohibited chemical "bath salts" street drugs
