LulzSec The Lulz Boat
Gotta love "files/USAF OSI Criminal Intelligence Bulletin New Unregulated Psychoactive Substances Marketed as Bath Salts.pdf" #AntiSec
Maryland health authorities have launched an investigation that could lead to a statewide ban on the sale or possession of synthetic stimulant drugs being marketed as "bath salts."
The probe is expected to last a month, followed by a decision on whether to add them to the state's list of "Schedule 1" controlled dangerous substances.
In the meantime, "Marylanders should avoid these 'bath salts' products," said Dr. Joshua M. Sharfstein, secretary of the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
The drugs, which can be ingested, smoked, snorted or injected, have caused cardiac and circulatory disturbances, agitation, delirium, paranoia and psychosis, officials said.
The Maryland Poison Control Center has received reports of 22 cases of poisoning from the substances, including one death. There were two calls in 2010, and 20 so far this year, "a significant increase," according to Thomas Cargiulo, director of the state's Alcohol and Drug Abuse Administration.
Hundreds of similar cases linked to "bath salts" have turned up in other states, including homicides, suicides and other violence.
The active ingredients in these drugs, which have no federally approved use, are designed to mimic the effects of cocaine or amphetamines without turning up on employers' drug tests.
They have been banned by legislative or regulatory action in Florida, Washington State, Kentucky, Louisiana, New York, North Carolina and North Dakota. Similar actions are pending in Ohio and New Jersey.
The chemicals are also illegal in the United Kingdom, Ireland and a number of other countries.
"We are investigating their presence in Maryland and are considering regulatory action," Sharfstein said.
Targets of the Maryland probe are methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) and 4-methylmethcathinone ("mephedrone").
The chemicals are so far unregulated by the federal government. Their makers package them as benign bath salts or plant food to sidestep federal laws that ban "analog" substances — those with effects similar to controlled drugs — if they're intended for human consumption.
The supposed bath salts are labeled "not for human consumption."
For the next month, state investigators will gather information from drug treatment centers, the Maryland Poison Control Center, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and local health departments on their experience with "bath salts" users.
Health authorities will coordinate with law enforcement on the phenomenon, and seek input from the public until July 11.
"We're trying to get ahead of the subject on this," Cargiulo said. "We want to be sure we're being proactive, and not just being reactive."
Via:
http://www.healthkey.com
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