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Updated: ‘Bath Salt’ Drugs Banned In Florida; Escambia Deputies Seize $13,000 Worth
January 27, 2011
(Updated 1:30 p.m.) The Florida Attorney General declared “bath salts” illegal Wednesday, and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit spread across the county to begin seizing the chemical that is now as illegal as cocaine and heroin.
By Thursday afternoon, deputies had seized about 164 bags — $13,000 worth — of the substance from specialty smoke shops, convenience stores and other retail outlets in Escambia County.
Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a 90-day emergency ban on the substance that several Panhandle sheriffs said was being used a drug.
“One of the side effects of this drug is it makes you think you see monsters,” Bondi told reporters. “It makes you think you can fly.”
Bondi said the drug is commonly marketed with names like Vanilla Sky, Ivory Wave, Ocean Burst and Bolivian Bath. With lawmakers not set to begin the 2011 legislative session until March 8, Bondi said she had to act swiftly to stop those sales.
They have Spring Break coming up in the Panhandle,” she said. “There are a lot of balconies out there.”
Right after the order, Escambia deputies went to work to size the now-illegal substances.
“We are required to enforce this emergency order, but we aren’t interested in arresting those that cooperate during this initial seizure”, said Escambia Sheriff’s spokesperson Deputy Chris Welborn. “Those that do not cooperate could face felony charges for possession.”
After the initial seizure, narcotics deputies will be checking the stores in the coming days. Anyone found in violation of the law could be arrested, Welborn said. He said people using the bath salts as a narcotic have been treated for paranoia, hallucinations, delusions, agitation, hypertension, chest pain and headaches. Some users reported suicidal thoughts.
Bondi, in her first month as attorney general, said she was only recently made aware of the drug. She said she received a letter from Bay County Sheriff Frank McKeithen saying the situation was getting hard to control.
“Our experience in Bay County has been to the point of almost lethal,” McKeithen said Wednesday in Tallahassee. “We’ve had several incidents where officers are in contact with individuals who’ve ingested this substance. It’s creating superhuman strength that takes seven to eight officers to deal with these individuals that’s actually under the influence of it.”
McKeithen said that without Bondi’s emergency ban, there may have been too many cases of MPDV abuse to handle on the Northwest Florida beaches in the coming months.
“Our problem was it could be the perfect storm,” he said. “That was our biggest concern with our over 2,000 kids coming to Panama City (and) Bay County during spring break, being able to walk into these so-called head shop businesses and purchase this substance. We had to do something. We asked for help.”
“I frankly had a nightmare last night that somebody was going to overdose and we hadn’t done anything,” Bondi said.
Under the new ban, which Bondi said takes effect immediately, possession or distribution of the MPDV bath salts will be a schedule 1 felony, punishable by one to three years in prison.
“To put it in perspective, that’s right up there with cocaine and heroin,” Bondi said.
The News Service Florida contributed to this report.
Comments
62 Responses to “Updated: ‘Bath Salt’ Drugs Banned In Florida; Escambia Deputies Seize $13,000 Worth”
i think your wright but we need to d o something
methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) and mephedrone – the substance in “bath salts” that is being abused by our children for a “high” (which is self induced psychosis)…
It is a serotonin and dopamine reuptake inhibitor if memory serves.
There is no clinical indication for it’s use in treating any known disease, as it is an agent that is working against the neurochemistry of the brain.
Look it up for yourself.
Look at what the Emergency Room doctors have to say about it. Look at what Pharmacists and Psychiatrists have to say about it.
Observe also that the “target audience” for it is young people still in the process of neurodevelopment – generally mid-teens to mid-twenties. I would expect the literature in the next five to ten years to reflect the neurological damage done to users of this substance, and the profound impact it will have on their functioning brains.
Freedom is not License – don’t confuse the two.
Licenteousness calls for all things to be made available to all people regardless of the human toll. It lacks the Moral Code that looks out for the best interest of the person and the society. It’s the devil’s snare and a sure path to Gehenna.
This is not bath salt spice is not air freshiner. Its a market strategy. The kids using it didn’t decide to try mom’s calgon because they are so strung out on meth they need an alternative. They are being led into a false security that its safe it can’t be crack because its sold in the store. But now there will be people trying to make it and sell it, another dangerous chemical combination. Get the bath salts and spice out of the stores or you have teenagers dying or addicted and wondering why we let it happen. Why was it ok for them to buy it if it would hurt them.
REGARDING:
“But in THIS CASE, this substance has no value other than to destroy the abuser of it.”
I’m not sure exactly what a bath salt is, but perhaps it would have value as one. Doubt it was being used as such, but …..
AND
“Simply put, this substance should be outlawed, and those participating in it as well.”
Because those stupid enough to take it will likely die soon, right? It’s regrettable, but you really can’t make suicide illegal. So you’re just telling folks how not to do it.
Outside of that, the justification of making such things illegal is to protect children and the public in general from the harm dopers might do. Laws should be written toward that result, not just because we don’t like how people kill themselves. Or so it seems to me.
AND
“Frankly, I suspect that there is an ulterior motive in the people railing against this issue of making a dangerous chemical illegal. It smacks of self justification ”
Could be in some cases, especially in those cases where folks propose following up by outlawing the caffeine in my sweet tea. Could also be some doubt the pressing need and can see how previous efforts at outlawing substances simply provided funding for sorry crooks and for gangs and high prices giving the incentive to commit other crimes to finance what would otherwise be cheap.
David for eliminating the profit motive for crimes
@So…
I think you miss the point – there are currently laws that regulate use and consumption of alcohol and tobacco. There should also be a law against tTHIS abused substance.
@Mike
So many questions! Why don’t you exercise your mind and come up with some facts to support your fallacious argument? Which, by the way, I don’t buy into for a second. Your position of legalize everything or legalize nothing is contrary to good common sense and a well ordered mind.
Laws are in place, and put there by people like you and I. People follow the laws, or they don’t, based on their upbringing, education, and moral code (let us pray that all of these are done right). People are not perfect, and sometimes they make mistakes. But the general public, given the facts, can usually get it right when it comes to making laws regarding public safety.
You may be outraged by what you perceive to be inadequate or erroneous enforcement. There are faults in human instituions of all sorts to be sure – there’s no immunity for human error. But in THIS CASE, this substance has no value other than to destroy the abuser of it.
Simply put, this substance should be outlawed, and those participating in it as well.
Frankly, I suspect that there is an ulterior motive in the people railing against this issue of making a dangerous chemical illegal. It smacks of self justification for abuse of whatever flavor of sin the railer prefers. But it doesn’t make it any less wrongheaded, and misguided to find offense and posture with high outrage about an issue as simple as this one is.
This substance should be illegal. Period.
Old Soldier
“The issue is that this substance is now known to the public as a substance that can be ingested for the purpose of intoxication. And it is very dangerous. This must be kept out of the hands of our children. And laws to prohibit sale, possession, and distribution are entirely in line with a concern for Public Safety.”
Same thing can go for alchohol buddy, along with so many other things.
Pharmaceutical drugs are way more dangerous than “bath salts” and most other street drugs….except they’re legal because they’re sold by large multinational corporations who control the United States of Fascism.
Old Soldier
You wanna talk about “public safety”???
How many people every day are robbed, assaulted, and even killed simply because of the fact that drugs are illegal, and as a result of their prohibition, are sold on the black market?
Someone doing drugs does not affect my “safety”. Doing drugs is a personal choice. I choose not to partake. But who am I to tell somebody else what they can or cannot put into their body?
However, cops with guns drawn, barging into my house looking for drugs when they got the wrong house. That affects my safety.
Drug dealers letting bullets fly in the streets also affects my safety.
The “War on Drugs” has caused more death and destruction than drugs themselves ever could.
@So…
“In Florida, the percentage of alcohol related fatalities peaked in 1983, while the actual number of alcohol related deaths peaked in 1986. In 2008, out of all traffic fatalities, 29% involved a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher, with 875 fatalities.” Source “Alcohol Alert” dot com.
In 1983 the death toll was 1,397. I think that shows a lot of improvement, though one death due to drunk driving is one too many. But that’s not the issue here.
For most reasonable citizens, when a clear and present danger is identified in the community there is a call to elected representatives to enact laws for public safety.
Laws have been enacted for both alcohol and tobacco consumption. It is illegal for MINORS to possess and consume these products – those that are scofflaws break that law – there are penalties in place for adults who sell these products to CHILDREN. Again – not the issue here.
Don’t mix your apples with your oranges – this drug, sold under the thin disguise of being some OTHER product in order to EVADE the rule of Law, have no medical value at all.
The issue is that this substance is now known to the public as a substance that can be ingested for the purpose of intoxication. And it is very dangerous. This must be kept out of the hands of our children. And laws to prohibit sale, possession, and distribution are entirely in line with a concern for Public Safety.
I find it hilarious that they’ve banned something like bath salts, but still allow people to purchase cigarettes and alchohol.
“They have Spring Break coming up in the Panhandle,” she said. “There are a lot of balconies out there.””
You’re worried about some idiot thinking they can fly and jumping off a balcony to hurt no one but themself when you’ve got all of these people drinking and driving and killing numerous people. If you’re going to ban something like bath salts, why not ban the number one killers like alchohol and cigarettes. Think a little Florida.
REGARDING:
“I said I believe in following the Constitution and its amendments. I didn’t say interpret it however you wish.
“I vote based on each issue and each candidate and what appears to be the best solution. Unfortunately, that usually boils down to the lesser of two evils”
Mike pointed out you cited a part of the Constitution which isn’t in the Constitution but rather in the Declaration of Independence.
I tend to agree with your conclusion, just not the foundation for it. That’s why I pointed out even if “pursuit of happiness” WERE in the Constitution, that wouldn’t guarantee protection from governmental power to violate right to privacy because we all pursue our happiness in individual ways. For some it includes invasion of privacy.
Oh, and I failed to point out that I was talking about CONSTITUTIONAL Conservative/Liberal–interpretations of the Constitution. There are other kinds: RELIGIOUS Conservative/Liberal, FISCAL Conservative/Liberal. You get the idea.
Most candidates do not run based on Constitutional principles but on City, County or State issues, not usually subject to the Constitution but rather operating within its framework. In that context, we may vote AGAINST the one who wants to spend more money (or less) or who has divorced five husbands (or stayed with a cad) or wants to close local schools (or open one near us). We may vote FOR the ones who seem to show character or the ones who seem to show the ability to do the job.
Most voters just want whoever will do the most good for them, no matter what the context. Candidates, in turn, try to favor what they think voters will favor. (If that fails, they sometimes try to smear their opponents.)
David for perfect principles
perfect candidates
perfect pizza (pan, of course)
REGARDING:
“The Constitutional right to privacy is not found in the “pursuit of happiness” line. – - – The “pursuit of happiness” line is in the Declaration of Independence anyway, which is not legally binding.”
True, I was just responding to the claim that “pursuit of happiness” would authorize government to act in certain ways by showing it could do the opposite.
“Our right to privacy is “guaranteed” – - – through the 3rd and 4th Amendments (quartering soldiers and search and seizure amendments).”
Exactly. Any claim to have the power to do a given thing, should be able to cite the part of the Constitution which permits it–Or in this case, the part which forbids it to them.
“Since you are so fond of the Constitution, where does the Constitution give the government the authority to tell me what I can and cannot put into my body?”
I DO love our Constitution. I love it because it was adopted by the people (or at least the people allowed to vote at the time and affirmed by every citizen swearing allegiance to it since then) and it lays out the structure of government.
As to the second, part, it DOESN’T. The only drug forbidden in the Constitution was alcohol and that amendment was repealed.
“Where does the Constitution give the government power to tell me I may not possess or grow certain plants?”
Only through treaties. We have signed treaties for that express purpose, ways around lack of authority otherwise.
“–, if you’re going to claim the Constitution as your defense for drug prohibition, at least be consistent.”
There’s your biggest problem. I never claimed Constitutional authority to prohibit and believe the practice is killing more Americans than it would if we didn‘t do it.
David for clarity
David Huie Green,
The Constitutional right to privacy is not found in the “pursuit of happiness” line. I’m not sure where that assumption came from. The “pursuit of happiness” line is in the Declaration of Independence anyway, which is not legally binding.
Our right to privacy is “guaranteed” (and I use that term loosely, because we all know that the government doesn’t give a rip about the Constitution) through the 3rd and 4th Amendments (quartering soldiers and search and seizure amendments).
Since you are so fond of the Constitution, where does the Constitution give the government the authority to tell me what I can and cannot put into my body? Where does the Constitution give the government power to tell me I may not possess or grow certain plants?
Look, I’m not a huge fan of the Constitution because it failed miserably. But, if you’re going to claim the Constitution as your defense for drug prohibition, at least be consistent.
I still believe that based on David’s definitions of liberals and conservatives, I am a conservative. I said I believe in following the Constitution and its amendments. I didn’t say interpret it however you wish.
I vote based on each issue and each candidate and what appears to be the best solution. Unfortunately, that usually boils down to the lesser of two evils.
REGARDING:
“David Huie Green; Yeah,Yeah we know that if you are under 21 and drinking alcohol then it really is illegal and not legal alcohol and if the medication is not in your name then it really is illegal and not legal medication. ”
You have learned well, Grasshopper
REGARDING:
“David Huie Green,
Your views on “privacy rights” or the lack thereof is scary.”
Please tell me where I said I didn’t believe in privacy.
I explained you can’t derive a right to privacy from the “pursuit of happiness” in the Preamble of the Constitution because some pursue happiness by invading the privacy of others. If their happiness were all consuming, they would have that right implied. I don’t believe they do.
The enumerated powers lists what Congress is allowed to do, the Bill of Rights spells out some of the things Congress is forbidden to do (such as make laws which infringe the right to keep and bear arms, for one example).
I don’t believe in privacy in public, that being a contradiction of terms.
I believe felons may give up right to privacy along with right to tote guns and are subject to monitoring lest they harm others again.
Other than that, please tell me where I opposed leaving people alone in the privacy of their homes as long as they don’t hurt others?
David contemplating the powers of government
and the rights of people
and the difference between power and right
Well said and so true old soldier.
Some folks need to really evaluate their defense of using these illegal drugs, and their defensive responses to reasonable restrictions placed on distribution, possession, an manufacturing of dangerous drugs that have NO MEDICAL VALUE.
I suspect that this hits a nerve for those that might be dependent on illegal substances.
Here’s a novel approach – if you need a drink or a drug to “make it” through the day, you might have a problem.
If you are doing things that you know in your heart of hearts are wrong, and because society has declared them illegal, you might have a problem.
Put it down. Stop using it, and if you can’t, or it’s dangerous to stop on your own due to your dependence on it – Seek help. You know you should.
Think about the best person you ever met – would they approve of what you are doing to yourself? If the answer is “No” then just stop and think. Turn it around.
Sometimes when you are heading the wrong direction, the best way is simply to turn around and get back on track. It may not be easy, but there are a lot of people that can help. And God can help too. Ask Him.
I pray for your freedom from this affliction of the soul.
WAY TO GO FLORIDA…..BUT SOME FINE TUNEING IS NEEDED TO CRANK DOWN ON PERCRIPTION PAIN MEDICATION AND DR SHOPPING ALSO
cynical>>>>Legalize NOTHING that intoxicates a driver pushing a machine down the road at 5280 feet per minute aimed to pass within inches of me coming from the other direction.
Alcohol is legal and more dangerous than any illegal drug,,drunks kill more innocent people than crackheads, potheads, methheads or any kind of dopehead all combined. Most of the time they just kill themselves, as in O.D.
Prescription medication is legal and some of them are more dangerous than any illegal drug.Kids grab these right from mom and dads nightstand.Ever seen a kid messed up from taking pain killers, muscule relaxers, nerve pills.
Most kids are getting high from legalized drugs and alcohol from their own home.So moms and dads don’t just freak out over these drugs they are selling to our kids at the little corner stores , watch what is going on in your homes.
.
David Huie Green; Yeah,Yeah we know that if you are under 21 and drinking alcohol then it really is illegal and not legal alcohol and if the medication is not in your name then it really is illegal and not legal medication.
and
Hope the SO hits T & W flea market this weekend. Lots of bath soap on the north side of the flea. Perhaps next they’ll go after the folks selling the herbal encense folks smoke as weed. I talked to a reputable deputy about the pipes sold at the flea. He said unless they are sold with the mesh filter they can’t do anything about it. The way the folks at the flea get around it is they sell the pipe and mesh filter seperately.
Football Mom,
I understand you don’t want your kids to walk into a convenience store and buy drugs. You’d rather them buy drugs on the street corner from some shady guy with a gun? Hopefully they have good enough sense not to buy drugs at all, but come on. Your argument is ridiculous. Your argument assumes that if something is made illegal, it ceases to exist. That is bogus.
David Huie Green,
Your views on “privacy rights” or the lack thereof is scary.
P.S. I don’t want people to assume by my previous statements that I am pro-gun control. I am very much AGAINST gun regulations, just as I am against drug prohibition. I believe in personal freedom and am against government meddling.
Gives new meaning to the “Calgon…..take me away” commercial.
Next they will be trying to suck salt water up their nose from the sea trying to get high. Drugies are desprite when they start things like this. Some of the people in our society has jus gone stupid over drugs. What is even more sad about it is that it is everyday people who use to be productive people who start using and then it uses them up befor it is over with. All the people who are left in the wake of it all are affected by it as well friends, family and so on. Sad state of affairs I tell ya.
REGARDING:
“The first question that comes to mind with all this is: what idiot decided to use bath salts of all things as a drug? I mean, seriously, how does someone get an idea like that?”
Just guessing, but I imagine they were called bath salts as a way around problems with selling them for their intended use.
“I don’t know, let’s see what happens if I snort bath salts!”
Back when LSD was more popular, it was often called Acid. Fools would think all acids are alike and be found dead with a needle and battery acid just injected. I imagine it hurt.
“As for making it illegal, I say just do it the same way as alcohol, establish a minimum age for purchase, then tax and sell it. If we let people buy alcohol legally which causes the same issues (10 feet tall and bullet proof), why not this also?”
Most drugs are safer than alcohol, at least based on the deaths from each. Not big on taxing it, though, that would encourage government to encourage their usage, just as they do the Lottery.
“David,
I guess I am a true Conservative. I believe we should follow the Constitution as written, that’s why we have the process to amend it. If we think something is outdated or outmoded, we need to change it…legally. And I believe privacy is included in the Constitution when it says “the pursuit of happiness”. My happiness is not having people in my business who have no business being there! My happiness is having privacy. “
Nope, sorry but that makes you a liberal since you tie it to the purpose rather than the enumerated powers. It’s okay, though, most are a bit of both.
David knowing some find happiness
in invading privacy
“OMG people!! Let them die!”
This is the stupidest statement i have ever read online. What kind of psychopathic brain damaged person would ADVOCATE dead kids?
Get your head straight!
Any human death is a tragedy and that tragedy is compounded exponentially by the death of a young person. Wasted potential in the users, wasted law enforcement effort in the arrest, prosecution and housing of people doing crime to support a drug habit; all this adds up to yet a blight on society and for what – so some convenience store owner can grow fat on the dead bodies of the terminally stupid?
Legalize NOTHING that intoxicates a driver pushing a machine down the road at 5280 feet per minute aimed to pass within inches of me coming from the other direction.
ENFORCE THE BAN – and mercilessly imprison the idiots who refuse to comply by continuing to sell it.
These ###### know what they are doing @ $30 an ounce. They are drug dealers and should all be jerked violently back into compliance with the laws of common sense.
First do no harm.
That applies also to the soulless mercenaries who sell “harmless” hallucinogenics to kids and stupid adults.
“Where do we draw the line and when do we take back the Government?”
BEFORE the posion starts appearing in schools!
Football Mom, I hear you and I agree with you. Ban the heck out of this one
NOT ONE CHILD NEEDS TO DIE TRYING THIS DRUG.
NOT ONE OFFICER NEEDS TO DIE TRYING TO CONTROL SOME STUPID KID
THAT HAS TRIED THIS DRUG AND NOT ONE PERSON NEEDS TO BE HURT
WHEN SOMEONE WANTS TO ROB THEM TO GET MONEY TO BUY ANOTHER
USELESS CHILD KILLING DRUG.
Even with cigs and beer age limits DON’T WORK.
SEND THIS STUFF BACK TO EUROPE WHERE IT CAME FROM.
A simple, short search on the subject will lead any well educated person to understand the public danger in the private use of this truly dangerous drug. As a public danger, our lawmakers can (and I hope WILL) make this substance illegal to produce, sell, or possess.
Our children do not have the experience, intellect, or education to make decisions about what they should and should not ingest. They are MINORS. We have a duty, an obligation to protect them from the predators that would corrupt them and destroy their futures.
This mind altering substance has NO MEDICAL value – and it is an ER doctor’s worst nightmare to treat. Subjecting our youth to this dangerous chemical may have profound effects on the development of their growing minds, and may induce suicide along with paranoia.
I will urge my lawmakers to make this horrible substance, and its distribution illegal in this state.
to Football Mom, regarding: “my point is I do not want them to be able to walk into a convenience store and (at any age) be able to purchase them while they are grabbing a pack of gum. I am an adult and I can make rational decisions. But they are kids and as much as I have raised them to do right and not wrong, I am not BLIND to the fact that THEY ARE KIDS and they are not perfect. ”
Come on lady! Listen to what you’re saying…if it was legalized, there would be an age requirement as with cigarettes and alcohol. Your 9 year old or 13 year old (any underage child)would not be able to purchase it like they can a pack of gum.
The first question that comes to mind with all this is: what idiot decided to use bath salts of all things as a drug? I mean, seriously, how does someone get an idea like that? What’s next? How do they think: Oh, hey, I think I’ll try snorting some….I don’t know, let’s see what happens if I snort bath salts!
Another question: if snorting it causes all these things, wouldn’t it do pretty much the same things even if you used it as :gasp: bath salts? Would it not be absorbed through the skin, just like cocaine and meth, and make you just as high?
Now, I have minor children and adult children. I’ve raised a HUGE family already and I still think that if people want to buy it, they will….the legality of it will have nothing to do with that. As for making it illegal, I say just do it the same way as alcohol, establish a minimum age for purchase, then tax and sell it. If we let people buy alcohol legally which causes the same issues (10 feet tall and bullet proof), why not this also?
I don’t know much about “Spice” except that it smells amazingly wonderful! If it is used as incense, your home would smell fantastic! I would be too scared to smoke it though. (A friend’s child had some. I asked what it was and he showed me. Looks like pot but smells like a tropical garden.)
David,
I guess I am a true Conservative. I believe we should follow the Constitution as written, that’s why we have the process to amend it. If we think something is outdated or outmoded, we need to change it…legally. And I believe privacy is included in the Constitution when it says “the pursuit of happiness”. My happiness is not having people in my business who have no business being there! My happiness is having privacy. I think MOST Americans would agree with that.
Mike – yes, it is true that if my 3 sons want to buy drugs they will buy them. But and if you re-ready my post, my point is I do not want them to be able to walk into a convenience store and (at any age) be able to purchase them while they are grabbing a pack of gum. I am an adult and I can make rational decisions. But they are kids and as much as I have raised them to do right and not wrong, I am not BLIND to the fact that THEY ARE KIDS and they are not perfect.
I am not ignornat to kids and drugs. I am not ignorant to adults and drugs. I do support the ban. Like it or not that is MY opinion.
Mike, your statement doesnt hold water. People use illegal drugs all the time to hurt others. Guys use them to date rape, pimps use them to control their prostitutes etc. Illegal drugs are illegal for a reason just as some firearms are illegal to own for a reason.
REGARDING:
“You so called “conservatives” who supposedly believe in freedom use the same arguments against gun control.
“If legalizing drugs causes drug abuse, then legalizing guns must cause gun crime”
While I agree with you and further believe we would have fewer problems due to drug abuse if we allowed drug users to go ahead and finish themselves off as long as they didn’t hurt anybody else, your quotes around “conservatives” isn’t quite right.
A true conservative is one who believes the Constitution should be followed as written and amended. A liberal is one who believes the Constitution should be construed as allowing things it doesn’t spell out but which an evolving set of standards and beliefs embraces. Thus, belief in the right to keep and bear arms is a Conservative belief because it is written into the Constitution. Any law which forbids it is a violation of the basic agreement under which the nation was founded. We agreed to form the United States of America as long as Congress could not make certain laws, therefore no law violating the Constitution is legal.
A liberal, on the other hand, assumes there are rights implied by the Constitution or simply because they believe they should exist and can‘t believe anyone seriously cares what the Constitution says (think Pelosi here). One such is the right to privacy, not spelled out but inferred. The right to snort, shoot, drink, swallow or any other thing, is implied by privacy which is assumed to be inferred by the Supreme Court. (They can do that, it’s their job.)
Thus, it is possible for a real Conservative to oppose gun usage restrictions while also opposing use of drugs.
David for clean noses
and legal laws
Bypassing the whole “if this stuff is bad for you” argument, scary that within one month of taking office, Pam Bondi has declared a substance to be illegal and now people can be arrested just for possession for something that used to be legal for sale. This is way too much power for one person. Even the governor’s decisions on laws can be overturned by congress and the courts.
Football Mom,
If your 3 sons want drugs, they will get them regardless of their legal status. Outlawing “bath salts” is not going to prevent anyone from getting them. Does this really even need to be said? The ignorance is astounding.
You so called “conservatives” who supposedly believe in freedom use the same arguments against gun control.
If legalizing drugs causes drug abuse, then legalizing guns must cause gun crime.
Guns and drugs are both items that can be used for good or they can be abused. Why do you want to outlaw one (drugs), but allow the other (guns)?
If I have a gun in my hand, I could kill somebody. But if I had drugs in my hand, I can’t hurt anybody but myself.
SURELY YOU PEOPLE MUST SEE HOW ILLOGICAL DRUG PROHIBITION IS!! IT IS AND HAS BEEN A DISMAL FAILURE.
according to this article, this is an “emergency 90 day ban” …not a law, as of yet.
How old does some have to be to buy this? I hope it is band in Alabama. One lady on the news said she would not stop selling before this The stores that sells this should be held accountable for the people that gets hurt or hurts someone else when taking this bath salt.
Am I missing something, here?
I thought that the executive branches of government were supposed to enforce, not legislate. I thought the legislature had to write laws first. Of course, the courts interpret, too, right?
Since when can a law enforcer declare something illegal? Isn’t that a bit out lf line.
I’m not questioning whether or not this stuff should be outlawed, but aren’t we a nation of rules and laws?
Let’s do it the right way and keep it in bounds; otherwise, we are no better than any police state or military dictatorship.
By no means am I condoning people abusing “bath salts” or any known dangerous substance. My point is simple, people will do foolish things and if they want to snort baby laxative and baking soda, so be it!
Do I agree, no.
Will it get them high, perhaps.
Bottom line, people need to research this and get the facts. Protect your children, know their friends and be involved in their life.
Addictive personalities are just that, addictive. If not this substance it will be something else…..
REGARDING:
“Call it censorship if you wish, but we will not provide a link to purchase illegal drugs”
People have a right to censor what they say, write, publish. You don’t have to carry what you don’t wish to carry. He can publish it elsewhere if he is just determined to share the information.
David for freedom to do or to not do
An update to my comment to Joe Wright below —
I did find a comment you submitted this morning. The comment links to three web sites, one of which is a direct link to purchase one of the products that was declared illegal yesterday. It even has a “Buy Now” button.
Call it censorship if you wish, but we will not provide a link to purchase illegal drugs. (It would also violate Rule #7 below)
(And it was, like I mentioned below, marked as spam by the system. The software was smart enough to catch it.)
Joe Wright wrote — >>>I am now wondering what the political spin is on this article and what part this web site plays, as posts are not being posted. Is this part of some mis-information or just censorship?
There’s no big conspiracy Joe. I don’t’ show that you submitted any other comments on this story (at least based upon your email and IP address). Your original post at the very bottom of the page at 1:45 a.m. was flagged by the system as “spam”, primarily because it’s well over the 300 word limit. It was manually approved.
Due to that spam flag being applied to your IP, it might have cause your other comment(s) to get marked spam. I did not filter through the spam comments later in the day yesterday. They were deleted in bulk because there were about 3,000 of them from virus infested computers gone wild.
When will my other comments posted? It was submitted around 1:50am approximately 5 minutes after I made my first post? When it never appeared I re-submitted it around 10:30am. This post contained the links and additional information I felt people need to know.
I am now wondering what the political spin is on this article and what part this web site plays, as posts are not being posted. Is this part of some mis-information or just censorship?
I have not broke rules, nor been rude to anyone and hide behind Nothing!
My name is Joe Wright, I live in Walnut Hill FL, and am in the phone book, look me up.
REGARDING:
“meth heads come in all the time to buy them, and sometimes they steal them. They ask for AA, but when I tell them all we have is AAA they say “that’ll do”. It’s obvious what they’re using them for, but I have to let them have them”
You COULD anonymously report them to the Sheriff’s office “call ECSO dispatch at 436-9620. – - – if you wish to remain anonymous, just say so.”
It’s up to you. Understand, even if they do nothing immediately, they will be building up information such as known suppliers. Personally, I’d let them finish themselves off, but they do endanger others as it is set up right now.
David quoting Deputy Sheriff
in part
C W are you serious?! lol…this is what i’m talking about….ban the batteries, ban the whipped cream, anything aerosol, bath salts, incense, gasoline…or candy bars if they turn out to be useful for getting high or makings for drugs! Oh, wait! Caffeine…caffeine is a drug, too. See? Ugh! You people are something else!
And to Anon…totally agree!!
I don’t know about bath salts, but something needs to be done about lithium batteries. I work in a store and I see meth heads come in all the time to buy them, and sometimes they steal them. They ask for AA, but when I tell them all we have is AAA they say “that’ll do”. It’s obvious what they’re using them for, but I have to let them have them.
Mr. Wright,
I hope you have done more research since you wrote your post earlier. If I may suggest to you that you research these “bath salts” and also spice or K2 which is sold as incense. The purpose of these “products” is not to bathe in or scent your house but to be snorted for a “high”, even though the packaging indicates not for human consumption. Rumor has it that they can not be detected by normal drug tests – such as those used by employers and probation. The “high” is advertised as being like a marijuana high but the ingredients are not consistant nor is the product consistant resulting in deaths and numerous emergency room visits. They are being outlawed quickly in both individual states and also in foreign countries due to the risks, deaths, and horrible side effects.
i agree with joe wright i do believe there is too much governmental control. it is the choice of the person whether or not they do these things. who are they to say we need to ban this product. if people want to take themselves out i say let em… we have way too many people on this planet anyways and what better way than to go out thinking your superman. Population Control 101 is what i say.
I’m totally good with banning it. I just heard about this stuff for the 1st time last week. Spice is to Marajuana as Bath Salts is to Cocaine Anyone who has any questions about it should google “bath salts as a drug” and read ALL about it. It is really scary. I have 3 teenage boys at home and I would hate to think they could into a convenience store to buy a snickers and “hey, throw some drugs in that bag too”.
let me first say..i am 100% with you, naomi….i think that pam bondi made a very wise decision to try and quickly stay ahead of this growing epidemic…..when you KNOW that there are always going to be nieve minors (who think that they are invencible and life is just a party), and you KNOW that this is a rapidly growing problem in other counties…and, you KNOW the potentially deadly physical consequences of taking the easily accessed OTC novelty….WHY would anyone object to banning the sale and making it a felony to sell/posess?….to do NOTHING (because some feel its an overstep by the govt) would be totally negligent…..and, to those who think that it doesnt affect them, if someone wants to jump off of a bacloney- just let them!…or, get behind the wheel and kill or maim themselves AND other innocent people…..well……..guess who MOST LIKELY is going to be paying for their exhorbatent hospital/rehab bills…oops, could it be the TAXPAYERS!!??….some people, who have made comments against this ban, should be on the other side of the fence (like a critical care nurse) and understand just how outrageously expensive it is to take care of stupid people(teens and adults) who survive or, die shortly thereafter incidents occuring while they are “under the influence” of any drug/alcohol…very often, NO INSURANCE……obviously, the financial drain isnt the only negative impact on society that the misuse of drugs/alcohol affect- the list goes on and on….but, that IS how it does affect ALL OF US- in our taxes!
Sounds like a party! Where can I get some of this? Don’t ban it, sell it and tax the daylights out of it.
Now, what about “Spice?” The feds have restricted it, how about the state?
supposed to say “heard it all.”
Legalize. Really!
Let kids who are stupid just kill themselves and before they fly off a balcony
let them have super strength and let them have to be controlled by 8 officers
of the law who MAY BE HURT OR WHO need to be out doing something more important then trying
to keep YOUR NEIGHBORS 14 year old stupid child from flying off a balcony
at some party which according to you is so unimportant that we should just
legalize it and let them FLY.
NOW I HAVE HEAD IT ALL!
OMG people!! Let them die! Does no one else see this? Legalize all drugs, tax the crap out of them, and let the abusers die off…all that’s left is responsible users! Oh, I know I will read(or probably won’t bother) but there will be a lot of you out there who say that this is a ridiculous suggestion, but let’s review. If you legalize it, you won’t have as much mr. joe selling to mr. bob in the streets and possibly getting killed because he didn’t have the ‘dough’ because, hey! they can go right around the corner and get it…and look! it’s cheaper because it’s legal. Then you tax it! Whelp, guess what? Here’s to helping with the deficit, right? And yes, the family of mr./ms. drug abusers will be upset because they lost him/her to their addiction…but, you know what? mr./ms. drug abuser didn’t HAVE to lose his/her life to drugs…this is when you use, what we call, WILL POWER, and CHOICE. I know this may shock some of you, but EVERYONE has the option to take a drug or, listen up, REFUSE the drug! That’s right, legalizing it, doesn’t mean that all of you HAVE to buy them. I know, I know, but it’s true. It just gives us the OPTION/CHOICE to do so. And that is called freedom! Yep. The government is doing a swell job with making us believe that by taking away our freedoms, they are keeping us safe…they sure are! But, it’s not the truth…people are dumber than ever, believing everything the government tells them! It is a sad, sad world, and we live in it! Reality is, we’ll never be safe…know that? We won’t. But, government can say we will, and take “drastic” measures to assure you believers that we will…and you guys buy into that crap so easily, it’s sometimes unbelievable! But, I will go no further with this discussion, as I know it makes no matter to the lot of you, but take my word…joe wright is right! if you LET them, they will keep taking and taking and taking…how far will you let them go? Why should everyone be punished for others mistakes?
Here’s to hoping the world will open their eyes…
that’s right let’s spend all our time and tax dollars on this now. but let’s not forget all the other things, like shooting, homicide, burning houses by cooking up some meth, and all the other crimes that are being done . or is this going to take top shelf and the other crimes go on the back burner. sounds like this is what some wants. next we can get the law to take things like spray paints and tylenol off the self too. if you ask me lets pass a bill to take alcohol off the self ,there are facts that alcohol causes death, accident and people to think that they are something thats their not, but wait if we do that state will loose lots of tax money OH NO wait we better not do that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I’m sure down with the ban….. I never heard of this and thought what kind of ath salt could it be since they are mostly epson salt…. These are drugs pure and simple with a candy bar label to avoid the law. They are not intended to be a bath salt at all. $30 for a gram…… Uhhhh hello??
These are being shipped in from Europe from what I’ve read this morning the past few hours…..but it’s only a matter of time before they are made and sold locally as most of the ingredients are not banned here……. the powders often contain: mephedrone and methylenedioxypyrovalerone, also known as MDPV.
It’s scary what someone else will come up with for others to take and how many lives lost they will be held accountable for to make some money, instead of getting a real job….I am forwarding this article to our local agencies here in Alabama so that they have the heads up on what to be on the lookout for….
Thanks for keeping us informed, William!
Now that it’s illegal, I’m sure everyone will stop using it!
Just like how everyone stopped using marijuana, cocaine, heroin, meth, and alcohol when they outlawed it!
Oh wait…
Joe Wright it is not the band of normal bath salts it the stuff they sell n the lil bags that don’t look like anything I want to bathe with and they sell iT by grams really when have u ever bought ur soaking salts buy the gram. She needed to band the stuff if she didn’t u would be beating down the door n a few weeks when kids started die’n from it. And there is no illegal age to buy it. I dnt know about you and my rough past I sold cocaine and its side effect weren’t near as bad this stuff is worse than meth. And its all man made chemicals no salt added. I understand about the to Mich government issue but I got teens a lot of them in my family and I surely don’t want them trying it just because its legal. I say good call on the emergency ban……… Who’s with me
Thank God that stuff scared me when I found out about it. We all see what meth is doing and that was just a chemists legal way of selling it. Thanks God for hearing my prayers.
Ok, I thought for a minute I needed to flush my epson salts…… glad I read the whole story…. ps, why would someone WANT to see monsters on purpose????
WOW! I guess it is too early to tell if there is any merit to this issue. We can speculate that in the very near future whipped cream will be outlawed as well, as people have been known to misuse this product. “Whippets” and “Huffing” are just a few examples of how ordinary items can be abused to “Get High”. If a person chooses to smoke banana peels or sniff glue, that is their choice. I personally do not agree with that choice and know it can be dangerous and or deadly. I feel this is a very drastic knee jerk reaction to a different problem. Persons Misusing products is not a danger to the public, a danger to them , YES, to the public, NO.
Why ban and outlaw products when there is not any supporting documents, case studies or evidence available to the public that show there is a real problem facing the public. I have worked in Public Health, Mental Health and Substance abuse for many years and strongly feel this is a mistake and is an example of too much governmental control. The FDA does not regulate soap, bath salts, perfume Etc. I challenge the authority of the Attorney General to ban a substance when it does not violate any laws or federal regulations. Just because she does not like it and feels it is dangerous does not justify a ban. Drinking Bleach is dangerous but any 9 year old can buy it by the gallon at any dollar store or drug store.
My point is simple, first they ban bath salt, then who knows what … 9volt batteries because a few kids decide to see how long they can hold it to their tongue and it is thought to cause long term problems?
This is too much Government!
I urge all who read this to voice their opinion and contact their politicians and anyone who will listen, regardless if their opinion is different from mine.
I don’t always know what is best, I just know I need to do something.
Where do we draw the line and when do we take back the Government?
Do not take my word, Look this up yourself on the SAMHSA or the FDA web site.