Bath salts a growing drug problem

MINNEAPOLIS -- It's known as bath salts but it's not what you may think it is. The synthetic amphetamine is the latest drug problem to hit Minnesota.

Bath salts contain mephedrone, a synthetic form of the stimulant cathinone. It's often sold under names such as Ivory Wave, White Lightning and Red Dove. Bath salts come in a clear capsule with white powder and it can be smoked, snorted, ingested or injected.

Health care providers worry the new drug fad could have serious long-term effects.

"We're seeing fairly high incidents of adverse affects that could be serious medical affects by simple recreational use," Kirk Hughes, with the Minnesota Poison Control System, said.

The synthetic drug can cause hallucinations, vomiting, rapid heart rates and cardiac problems. Since late last year Hughes said his office has seen seven cases of bath salt abuse.

Treating someone who is high on baths salts is like treating someone who is high on meth, according to Hughes.

This latest craze comes as lawmakers ban other synthetic drugs like K-2. Currently bath salts are legal and can be purchased in head shops or online.

Europe and Australia have banned the sale of bath salts.

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