Bath salt and synthetic cannabinoid information
BATH SALTS and SYNTHETIC CANNABINOIDS
In August 2011, the Stafford Township Police Department executed search warrants at two local business establishments following reports of distribution of illegal drugs.
Since that time, members of our community have asked the Stafford Township Police Department for more information about these drugs known as “Bath Salts” and Synthetic Cannabinoids.” Although the use of these drugs has recently been popularized in our country and state their use has been popular in many other countries for quite some time.
What are bath salts?
Bath salts are officially recognized as substituted cathinones but are most commonly known by their street name of bath salts. Bath salts are derivatives of cathinone, a psychoactive substance with powerful stimulant properties that occurs naturally in the plant khat.
What are the effects of bath salts?
The effects of synthetic cathinones are similar to amphetamines such as ecstasy and cocaine. These powder substances often contain mephedrone and methylenedioxypyrovalerone which is also known as MDPV.
Side Effects include:
- severe episodes of violent hallucinations
- paranoia
- rapid heart rate
- suicidal thoughts
- increased risk of heart attack
- Agitation
Bath Salts were not designed for human consumption and have been sold legally in the past at convenience stores, gas stations and head shops as well as on the Internet.
The stimulant chemicals in these products are believed to be manufactured in China and India and are believed to be packaged and distributed throughout Eastern Europe. MDPV and mephedrone are manufactured in a lab and until recently were not regulated by the FDA and Department of Consumer Affairs as they were not marketed for human consumption.
Examples of Bath Salts
Synthetic Cannabinoids
Synthetic Cannabinoids are chemically engineered substances, similar to THC—the active ingredient found in marijuana. These synthetic cannabinoids are typically found in a powder form, dissolved in solvents, such as acetone, sprayed onto vegetative matter then advertised and sold in convenience stores, gas stations, head shops and the internet as incense products or “fake weed.” They are being sold under the street names of “Spice,” “K2,” “K3” and “Genie.”
When smoked or ingested, Synthetic Cannabinoids produce a high similar to marijuana, but result in more dangerous health issues due to its chemical origins.
Side effects include:
- vomiting
- nausea
- paranoid behavior
- elevated heart rate
Examples of Synthetic Cannabinoids
In March 2011, the Federal Drug Enforcement Administration issued a temporary order banning the sale and distribution of five synthetic cannabinoids that are now listed as a schedule 1 drug. Under New Jersey Law, these five cannabinoids automatically became schedule 1 controlled dangerous substances for the purpose of enforcement and prosecution under the New Jersey Comprehensive Drug reform Act, N.J.S.A. 2C: 35-2.
There are many other controlled dangerous substances which have not been discussed, however, all illegal drugs should be considered dangerous and not safe for human consumption.
More information on substituted cathinones, synthetic cannabinoids and the dangers associated with other illegal substances can be obtained by visiting the following websites:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/17/us/17salts.html?pagewanted=all
www.webmd.com/mental-health/features/bath-salts-drug-dangers
www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/content/healthday/649596.html
For information on what is a schedule 1 substance please visit:
http://www.justice.gov/dea/pubs/drugs_of_abuse.pdf
The Stafford Township Police Department vigorously investigates and prosecutes anyone utilizing or dealing in illegal drugs and encourages anyone who may have information pertaining to illegal drug use to contact the Stafford Township Crime Tip Hotline at 609 597-1189 ext. 8477. All calls are treated in a confidential manner.
If you require further information about bath salts, synthetic cannabinoids or any other illegal drug, please contact Detective Sergeant Allen Halliday at 609-597-1189 ext. 8408
