HARRISBURG - Pennsylvania is one step closer to a ban on designer drugs, such as synthetic marijuana and concentrated bath salts, thanks to a unanimous vote in the State House of Representative.
The state's general assembly voted 195-0 with 8 members absent Monday on House Bill 365, which would outlaw the synthetic drugs, in the state. Local representatives Kurt Masser (R-107) and Lynda Schlegel-Culver (R-108) voted for the ban.
In a press release following the vote, Masser spoke about how the ban is needed, not only in this area, but statewide.
"This bill is so desperately needed in our region and across the Commonwealth. After meeting with Rick Catino and a group of concerned citizens, I learned just how badly this drug was ravaging our area," Masser said. "I consulted with Northumberland County's District Attorney Tony Rosini and Coroner Jim Kelley, and I appreciate their help in explaining the need for this legislation."
Masser also commended the Mount Carmel Township Supervisors for taking the lead locally to ban these 'bath salts' in their township and encourages any local businesses that might be selling these products to remove them from the shelves.
House Bill 365 amends the Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act to expand the list of banned substances to include salvia divinorum, salvinorin A, divinorin A, synthetic marijuana and synthetic cocaine/heroin as Schedule I controlled substances, which have a high potential for abuse. None of these substances are remotely related to legitimate bath products or incense, it's chemical additives in certain products that are being banned.
The bill now goes to the state Senate for consideration, and Masser says he will continue to track the bill.
"I will be reaching out to the Senate to ask for its speedy concurrence and also contacting the governor's office so we can finally rid our streets of these deadly drugs," Masser said.