There is a new type of street 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.

Production

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.

Retail

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 need to classify bath salts as a schedule 1 drug to make this happen. This schedule status states the drug has no medicinal value and comes with a high potential for abuse. The United States Drug Enforcement Agency has recently invoked its “emergency scheduling authority” to expedite this process. The DEA plans to define the possession and selling of bath salts illegal in the United States. This short-term action will remain in effect for one year, during which time the government is expected to call for permanent ban.

Effects

There are many supposed side effects of bath salt use. Agitation, paranoia, and chest pain are all routinely experienced by users. High blood pressure and increased pulse rate is also common. However, currently there is no specific test to determine if someone has taken the drug. The only way to be sure if someone has ingested bath salts is if they tell you.

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 addicted to to bath salt you should seek a young adult drug treatment program immediately.