After passing a vote in the Florida House this week, synthetic drugs are one step closer to being banned. (Source: Getty Images)
TALLAHASSEE (CBS4) – A temporary ban on a synthetic designer drug known as MDVP or “bath salts” is one step closer to becoming a permanent ban.
Friday, a bill passed in the state House makes the possession or sale “bath salts” illegal in Florida.
Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a temporary emergency order in January that banned the substance. The chamber unanimously sent the bill (HB 1039) to the Senate where similar legislation (SB 1886) is awaiting a vote.
Officials say the complex drug was sold at malls, head shops, convenience stores and other retail outlets, often near displays of energy drinks.
It can be snorted like cocaine, smoked or injected.
The drug has been likened to LSD and can produce hallucinations, severe paranoia, seizures, aggression, increased blood pressure and kidney failure.
The bill provides for a maximum penalty of five years in prison for possession.
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