PHOENIX, AZ (February 17, 2012) - Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery applauds Governor Jan Brewer for signing House Bill 2356, which outlaws a category of over-the-counter drugs commonly known as “bath salts.” Sponsored by Representative Karen Fann and Senator Linda Gray, the legislation adds seven chemical compounds commonly found in bath salts to the list of “dangerous drugs” banned under Arizona law. The bill also contains an emergency measure, making it effective immediately.

“I commend our Governor and the legislature for taking action to keep these dangerous products out of the hands of young people and for helping to eliminate the threat they pose to our communities,” remarked Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery. “From this point forward, anyone who chooses to use, sell or manufacture bath salts should consider themselves on notice that we will work diligently with our partners in law enforcement to hold them accountable for violating this new law,” he added.

Marketed under brand names such as Ivory Wave, Ocean Snow, Vanilla Sky, Zoom 2 and Scarface, bath salts have a chemical composition with side effects that are similar to methamphetamine and cocaine. Bath salts are typically available for purchase on the internet, as well as at truck stops, gas stations, smoke shops and head shops. Many types of bath salts are labeled “Not for Human Consumption.”

More than thirty other states have also banned the compounds found in bath salts.

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