WASHINGTON, D.C. - After the urging of a Pennsylvania senator, Senate and House leaders negotiating a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reauthorization bill have agreed to include language to place a national ban on synthetic drugs like bath salts and synthetic marijuana.
The agreement would control 26 synthetic substances under the Controlled Substances Act and also double the length of time the DEA can temporarily ban substances to allow a permanent ban to take effect.
"For Pennsylvania communities that have faced violence and crimes as a result of synthetic drugs like bath salts, this agreement is very welcome news," said U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA). "I pushed legislation to get these substances off our streets and prevent the horrible acts of violence synthetic drugs induce, so it is a relief that a ban appears to finally be close to becoming law."
Casey has been a leader in the effort to ban the harmful substances in bath salts and other synthetic drugs by pushing comprehensive legislation to deal with the problem. He also repeatedly urged the DEA to use its authority to get the drugs out of Pennsylvania communities.
Casey helped to secure a ban as part of the Senate FDA reauthorization bill, but the House-passed version of the FDA bill did not include the anti-drug provision. In a letter to Senate and House negotiators earlier this month, Casey urged them to include the synthetic drugs provisions in the final bill.