Florida Outlaws 22 Additional Synthetic Drugs

Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi signed an emergency rule this week that outlaws 22 new synthetic drugs. The outlawed drugs are various forms of baths salts, or synthetic marijuana, known as K2 or Spice, according to the Orlando Sentinel.

In 2011, the state legislature banned a number of synthetic drugs. This year, the legislature banned additional versions of the drugs. Bondi is planning legislation in the coming year to permanently outlaw the 22 drugs targeted in the new emergency rule, the article notes.

Several of the drugs could be appealing to children, Bondi said in a news conference. One has the consistency of cotton candy, while another is marketed as a “Scooby Snack.” Law enforcement began contacting convenience stores this week, asking them to voluntarily surrender any products that have been newly banned.

The emergency rule makes it a third-degree felony for someone to “sell, manufacture, or deliver, or possess with intent to sell, manufacture or deliver” these drugs, according to a news release.

Synthetic drugs can cause psychotic episodes, hallucinations, seizures, paranoia and tremors.