There is a new type of designer drug on the market that is legal for consumption and can be purchased pretty much anywhere. Bath Salts, as they are commonly referred to, are being marketed to teens as an alternative to marijuana. Manufacturers of the drug are able to avoid scrutiny from the FDA because they label them as being “not safe for human consumption”. In many regards, this warning is correct. There are many dangers and potential health problems that can occur from prolonged use of bath salts by those who are addicted.
Classification
Many people are catching on to the fact that these designer drug manufacturers are using clever semantics to skirt regulation. Thankfully, this is becoming less prevalent as parents are petitioning to get these dangerous drugs out of their local corner stores and gas stations. Yet, bath salts are still readily available for purchase online from various retailers. Bath salts are mainly comprised of MDPV and pyrovalerone. It is not completely understood what else is being put in these drugs because they are not regulated.
Where To Find Bath Salts
Retailers are marketing the drug as bath salts and labeling them as “not safe for human consumption”. This is in order to avoid them being classified as illegal. They can be bought at local mini-marts and smoke shops around the world under sold under names like Ivory Wave and Bolivian Bath. While many states have banned the sale, ultimately it will have to be a federal law that gets them off the shelves and out of the hands of the population.
Status of Legality
The government would have to say bath salts are a schedule 1 drug to make them illegal. Schedule 1 means the drug has no medicinal value and has a high likelihood for abuse. The United States Drug Enforcement Agency has recently invoked its “emergency scheduling authority” to speed up this process. The DEA plans to make it so the possession and selling of bath salts illegal in the United States. This action will stay in effect for at least one year, during which the government is expected to call for permanent ban.
Effects
There are many different side effects that a person can experience by using bath salts. Some of the most common side effects of bath salt usage are agitation, paranoia, and severe chest pain. There is also a high probability of heart issues including increased heightened pulse rate and high blood pressure. It is a fair and accurate comparison to say that the side effects of bath salts are similar to the side effects of cocaine or ecstasy.
There has not been enough conclusive testing on the designer drug yet to determine what long-term effects it may have on a person. Currently, acute toxicity is the main dilemma being faced by the medical community. If you think you may be dependent to to bath salt you should seek a young adult drug treatment program immediately.