‘Bath salts’ need sent down drain

Published 10:45 am Friday, July 1, 2011

If it looks like a drug, smells like a drug and acts like a drug, then treat it like a drug.

Ohio’s lawmakers cannot legislate common sense but they did take a good step toward protecting our citizens and our families by helping to keep dangerous drugs off the streets.

The state legislature has approved a measure that now awaits Gov. John Kasich’s signature that makes the possession, use and sale of synthetic drugs commonly known as K2 or Spice illegal.

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These synthetic drugs are being used by individuals who are snorting or ingesting it in order to try to get high. Some have serious hallucinatory effects and have been blamed for the deaths of several Ohioans and sent others to area hospitals.

These drugs will be added to the list of Schedule I controlled hallucinogenic substances. Schedule I drugs are classified as those that have a high potential for abuse, no current accepted medical use and a lack of acceptance for safe usage even under medical supervision.

Several surrounding states and communities have already made these illegal, so this law helps get Ohio on the same playing field.

Our society may never be able to win the “war on drugs” but we have to take measures that keep harmful substances away from children and only in the hands of medical professionals and experts.

It is unfortunate that someone who uses bath salts properly will not be able to do so, but this is a small price to pay to help keep our families safe.