Bath salts and herbal potpourri may appear as innocent items found on any grocery list. Ironically, these are the falsely marketed terms given to two very dangerous, currently, legal drugs sold in communities across our state.
HendrickSynthetic cathinones (bath salts) are packaged in small, round plastic containers. They mimic the effects of cocaine or amphetamines when ingested. Some of the most popular brand names include Ivory Wave, Vanilla Sky and White Rush. This substance has regulatory legislation in 33 states, including every southeastern state except South Carolina.
Synthetic cannabis (herbal potpourri) is packaged in foil packets with flashy labels. It causes similar effects of marijuana when inhaled. This substance is most commonly known as K2 or Spice. Synthetic cannabis has been banned in 38 states, again, including every southeastern state except South Carolina. Both are sold over the counter in convenience stores, smoke shops, head shops, adult book stores, and on the Internet for $15-$30 per item. Both substances have “not for human consumption” on the label to circumvent the law. It is commonly accepted by both the seller and buyer that the substances are used as legal alternatives to illegal drugs.
These substances can lead to hallucinations, seizures, unconsciousness, disorientation, extreme paranoia, violent episodes, and attempted suicide. Experts label these drugs just as dangerous as their illegal counterparts. The Palmetto Poison Center reports that 50 calls have been received this year for abuse of herbal potpourri and more than 100 calls for abuse of bath salts.
Doctors have not been able to develop medical procedures to treat symptoms of these drugs because each brand almost always carries a different chemical makeup.
Many city and county governments have passed ordinances and law enforcement agencies have taken steps to address this growing issue. There are two pending bills in the South Carolina legislature that would classify these substances as illegal Schedule I drugs. Schedule I drugs have a high potential for abuse but no medical use, and a lack of accepted safety for use in treatment under medical supervision. Heroin, cocaine, ecstasy and marijuana are Schedule I drugs.
Sen. Larry Martin, Pickens First Baptist Church, describes the legislature’s intent to respond to changing dynamics and experimental drug use that is clearly harmful to one’s health. He states, “Where we can act and should act, we ought to try to do it in a meaningful way to discourage young people from ruining or possibly ending their lives.”
We urge you to educate your loved ones on the many dangers and complications that these readily available substances can cause when used. Furthermore, pray for our elected leaders as they try to implement legislation to address this and other social and moral attacks on our society.