I recently read a horrific news story that has swept the nation about a Miami man who visciously attacked a homeless man. The young Miami man was believed to be under the influence of synthetic drugs, or "bath salts." Bath salts are dangerous synthetic drugs composed of chemicals that are designed to mimic the effects of marijuana and cocaine. They can cause delusions, paranoia, violent behavior and death. Unfortunately, this drug is quickly gaining popularity among young adults. More and more stories like the one in Miami are being reported, including eight arrests recently made in Indiana, which is why I believe it is important to highlight the steps the Indiana General Assembly took this session to protect Hoosiers. This past session, with bi-partisan support, we worked to close loopholes in Indiana’s synthetic drug laws to cover the new products, such as bath salts, that are hitting the market with slightly different compounds than those currently prohibited by Indiana law. Now, more than 60 chemical compounds found in synthetic drugs like “bath salts” have been added to the state’s list of illegal substances. Click here to read more about HEA 1196, legislation that helps protect Hoosiers from the harmful effects of synthetic drugs. |
