The legislation to ban the sale and distribution of synthetic drugs, commonly called “Spice” and  “Bath Salts” was approved and passed this past summer and became effective in October 2011. However, communities are still dealing with the devastation caused by the illegal and deceptive sale of these products. We are receiving reports that “bath salts” are now being relabeled (new labels slapped on top of old labels) and are being sold under the guise of window cleaner, plant fertilizer and insect repellent.

According to representatives from the Ohio General Assembly, relabeled “bath salts” are technically illegal. However, an Ohio court must set the precedent that these look-a-like substances are also deemed illegal so that other courts may follow suit.

Coalitions should be alerted to these products and organize compliance checks at local convenience stores, gas stations, tobacco stores and other business that have tried to  sell these products in the past. We suggest using the five strategies below to curb the illegal sale of these products and prevent abuse.

1.     Organize coalition members to conduct an environmental scan.  Volunteers check local stores/businesses in the community. Coalition members are instructed to ONLY report back to the coalition what was for sale. The coalition then shares that information with law enforcement and plans for next steps.

2.     Send a letter from local coalition and law enforcement to local businesses selling these items asking them to pull them, and sighting state law as well as efforts for local ordinances (or the local ordinances if already passed).

3.     Advocate for local ordinances, and as soon as possible, as well as neighboring counties. Penalties could be civil or criminal. Sample ordinances are available through Drug-Free Action Alliance.

4.     Host a coalition seminar about synthetic drugs and other emerging drug trends. Potential partners in hosting the seminar could be the Better Business Bureau or the Chamber of Commerce.

5.     Support efforts for a federal law regarding these synthetic drugs. Currently, the Synthetic Drug Control Act has been approved by the House and is in the Senate. This measure would make it illegal to manufacture or dispense 30 synthetic drugs, including “bath salts” and “Spice” (synthetic marijuana).

Source for “bath salts” strategies: Wayne County CIRCLE Coalition (Eileen Keller) and Holmes County Prevention Coalition ( Midge Roberts )