TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- In an effort to crack down on the sale of synthetic drugs, Attorney General Pam Bondi has filed an emergency rule that will outlaw 22 new synthetic drugs known as "bath salts", "K2", and "spice".
The new rule would make it a third degree felony to sell, manufacture or deliver these drugs. Synthetic drugs have been known to cause psychotic episodes, seizures, hallucinations and even paranoia.
“Synthetic cannabinoids have been linked to thousands of emergency department visits across the country, and a majority of those visits are by patients ages 12-29,” said Attorney General Bondi.
The attorney general was joined by numerous law enforcement agencies as well as the surgeon general during her announcement today.
According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner, Gerald Bailey, the drugs are commonly sold in smoke shops, truck stops, convenience stores and online.
"Retailers who stock these products have two options, surrender their inventory or face enforcement action," said Commissioner Bailey.
Over the past few years, Attorney General Bondi, has worked with the Florida Legislature to get these dangerous drugs put on the schedule of controlled substances. In 2011 Attorney General Bondi signed an emergency rule that temporarily outlawed MDPV, commonly known as "bath salts."
Bondi said she is committed to permanently banning these 22 additional drugs.
