Ohio Bill Aims to Ban Current and Future Synthetic Drugs

A bill sent to Ohio Governor John Kasich would ban both current and future synthetic drugs, the Columbus Dispatch reports. The bill would ban synthetic marijuana, known as “K2” or “Spice,” as well as “bath salts.” These drugs have been sold legally and inexpensively in head shops and gas stations, the newspaper reports.

Synthetic drugs—substances that mimic the effects of marijuana, cocaine and other illegal drugs—are causing a sharp rise in serious health problems ranging from seizures and hallucinations to death.

While some states have banned K2 and Spice, manufacturers have already developed new formulas that skirt the bans, the article notes. To avoid this problem, the Ohio bill includes an amendment that would make it illegal to produce any substance that is similar to Spice or bath salts after the bill is signed.

The Dayton Daily News reports that Governor Kasich is expected to sign the bill, which both the state House and Senate passed nearly unanimously.