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Starting today, stores in Ohio are no longer allowed to sell synthetic cannabinoids and “bath salts” under a new law approved over the summer by state lawmakers. Possession of these products is also now against the law.
Law enforcement officials said they plan to stage routine checks on stores that have been known to sell the products and will investigate tips from the public about businesses that continue to violate the ban.
But in anticipation of the continued abuse of these substances and others like them, the Greater Dayton Area Hospital Association has formed the synthetic drug task force to tackle the problem of the expanding designer-drug market.
“We are going to make sure that all of these items will be removed (from shelves), and those who continue to sell them will be charged and prosecuted,” said Clark County Sheriff Gene Kelly, who is a task force member.
Under the new law, Ohioans are no longer allowed to possess, sell or manufacture the chemicals found in “bath salts” and synthetic cannabinoids, also known as “Spice” and “K2.”
Synthetic cannabinoids produce effects similar, but usually stronger, than marijuana, and “bath salts” produce highs similar to stimulants and hallucinogens, authorities said.
Linked to deaths
The products — which were sold legally at gas stations, smoke shops and small convenience stores across the Miami Valley — have been linked to a number of crimes involving delusional suspects and overdoses and deaths.
Between April and June, Dayton hospitals handled about 300 cases attributed to “bath salts,” officials said. In one case, a user of “bath salts” came into the emergency room with six Taser wires hanging from him. Doctors said many users become violent and psychotic.
Alarmed by the growing popularity of synthetic drugs, which are commonly marketed as incense and benign products that are “not for human consumption,” Rep. Clayton Luckie, D-Dayton, and other state lawmakers crafted and passed legislation outlawing the chemicals used to make the substances.
The legislation, which was approved by Gov. John Kasich in July, included language about a drug analog that outlaws any chemicals that are similar to those found in synthetic cannabinoids and “bath salts.”
Law enforcement officials are warning businesses that sell the designer drugs and users of the products to cut it out, because they now risk facing the same kind of legal penalties they would if they are caught selling or possessing street drugs.
But authorities said they have no doubt that drug manufacturers will continue to search for ways to skirt the ban and keep these types of intoxicating products on the shelves. Officials pointed out that many other states continue to allow the sale of these products and users can still buy them over the Internet. Some people have reportedly stockpiled large supplies of the drugs in preparation of the ban.
“We know that just like fireworks people can travel to other states to purchase them,” Sheriff Kelly said.
Bryan Bucklew, president and CEO of the Greater Dayton Area Hospital Association, said the task force will work to educate the public about the dangers of synthetic drugs and will help first responders identify signs that a person is under the influence of one of the substances. Doctors said people on “bath salts” can be extremely aggressive, unpredictable and difficult to subdue. Medical staff also need to know how to treat people intoxicated on these substances.
The task force will also continue to monitor new designer drugs as they emerge on the market to make sure medical staff, law enforcement agents and members of the public are aware of any new substances threatening public health and safety, Bucklew said.
“We think initially the numbers will decrease rather significantly in a short period of time (because of the ban) until other drugs readily become available that get around the ban,” he said.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-0749 or cfrolik@DaytonDailyNews.com.
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