The Associated Press
ST. PAUL, Minn. - Minnesota's fight to combat designer drugs meant to mimic marijuana and other controlled substances is stepping up a notch with a new law making their sale a felony.
State leaders and law enforcement officials highlighted the tougher penalties Thursday. They touted a law that takes effect Aug. 1.
It stiffens penalties for selling so-called synthetic drugs by making it a penalty that could carry a five-year prison term. Current law limits prosecutors from charging more than a gross misdemeanor.
The law also gives the state Pharmacy Board power to speed through new rules to keep up with the fast-changing formulas that the drug peddlers often use to evade existing laws.
Just this week, Duluth police and federal authorities raided a head shop known for selling synthetic drugs.
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