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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 23, 2011
CONTACT: Joe Weidner
Harrisburg: (717) 787-3076
District Office: (724) 774-0444
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Senator Vogel's Bill to Ban Synthetic Drugs Signed Into Law

"Bath Salts", other synthetic drugs banned

HARRISBURG - Governor Tom Corbett today signed into law Senate Bill 1006 introduced by State Senator Elder Vogel, Jr. The new law bans synthetically produced drugs designed to mimic the effects of other drugs. The ban is supported by law enforcement and the District Attorney's Association.

This new law adds Salvia Divinorum, Salvinorin A, Divinorin A, synthetic marijuana, a hallucinogenic compound called 2C, and synthetic amphetamine/heroin, more commonly referred to as concentrated bath salts, to the list of Schedule I controlled substances.  The law also prohibits chemical compounds that are analogous to the listed substances so that the ingredients or manufacturing process cannot be altered slightly in an effort to bypass the law.

The chemicals found within these drugs are very powerful and can have life threatening consequences for users and those around them.  Salvia Divinorum has been shown to be a powerful hallucinogen.  Bath salts and synthetic marijuana mimic the effects of powerful drugs and many of these drugs are available over the internet or from local shops.  The law would treat these substances the same as other Schedule I Controlled Substances and would carry the same penalties as other non-narcotic Schedule I offenses.

"These drugs have already ruined too many lives across the Commonwealth. I'm glad the governor wasted no time in signing this bill into law.  It's imperative that we get these drugs off the streets," Vogel added.