Sheriff John McMahon will present a synthetic drug ordinance to the Board of County Supervisors today that includes criminal, administrative and civil penalties for those who sell synthetic drugs – more commonly known as “spice” or “bath salts” – in the county. Spice is a mixture of herbs sprayed with the synthetic chemicals that is usually smoked. Bath salts are synthetic chemicals in a powder or crystal form that are usually snorted or injected. These highly addictive, synthetic drugs are marketed as potpourri, decorative sand, shoe deodorizers or glass cleaner; however they have nothing in common with the products they are advertised to be. “Spice” and “bath salts”–also known as “designer drugs”–have been scientifically formulated to create the same effects of more common drugs, such as marijuana, methamphetamine or PCP. But these “fake” substances are not detected on standard drug tests and are often misconstrued as “harmless” because they are a synthetic imitation. For this reason, abuse tends to run rampant among children and those who are subject to standard drug tests, such as military personnel. The ordinance creates penalties that include fines, misdemeanor charges and the possible loss of a business license. The meeting starts at 10 a.m. and is open to public participation through the interactive video facility at the County government center on Whitefeather Road.
