ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
The RSA Tower, 201 Monroe Street, P.O. Box 303017, Montgomery, AL 36130-3017
(334) 206-5300 * FAX (334) 206-5520 Web Site: http://www.adph.org
NEWS RELEASE
Alabama bans possession, manufacture and distribution of so-called ‘Bath Salts’
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Jim McVay, Dr.P.A., 334-206-5600
Joy Patterson, 334-242-7941, or Suzanne Webb, 334-242-7351
Two dangerous chemicals which are being marketed as “bath salts” are being added to the
Alabama Controlled Substances List by emergency rule. This means that possession,
manufacture, or distribution of these substances is now illegal.
The Alabama Department of Public Health received information from members of the
Legislature, the law enforcement community, and the public about dangers from these synthetic
substances. These substances have been purchased over the counter at convenience stores
and gas stations or purchased online.
“The emergency rule is effective immediately,” said State Health Officer Dr. Donald Williamson.
“These powdered stimulants pose a serious health threat and have a great potential for abuse.”
Attorney General Luther Strange said, ” Alabama is w orking w ith the local law enforcement
and local district attorneys to protect the public from the dangers of these synthetic
substances. These substances are illegal drugs, and those w ho sell or make them w ill be
prosecuted. I appreciate Dr. Williamson and his staff for their research to address this
potential substance abuse problem quickly.”
These drugs create a methamphetamine-like high and sometimes violent behavior in users. The
chemicals contained are methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) and mephedrone. MDPV is
considered by the Drug Enforcement Agency Office of Diversion Control to be a chemical
analogue of the controlled substance Cathinone. The substance mephedrone is considered by
DEA to be a chemical analogue of the controlled substance Methcathinone. Both of these
substances are listed in the DEA and the Alabama Controlled Substances Lists as Schedule I
(f), Stimulants.
Users of these drugs have been treated for conditions that include extreme paranoia,
hallucinations, delusions, agitation, hypertension, chest pain and headache.
Tommy Smith, Alabama District Attorneys Association president, said, “Alabama district
attorneys applaud this concerted effort between the Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange,
the Alabama Department of Health led by Dr. Williamson, the Alabama Department of Forensic
Sciences and all Alabama law enforcement to address this newest threat to the health and
safety of Alabama. Ban
Add one
“The local district attorneys have been inundated with concerns regarding the use of Ñbath salts,*
which are really two synthetic drugs used in the manufacture of other illegal drugs. They are
sold under such names as Ivory Wave, Red Dove, Bliss and Vanilla Sky.”
Smith continued, “It seems that every time we turn our head around, a new dangerous drug or
Ñnarcotic of concern* has emerged on the scene to pose a threat to our citizens, and all too
often, those who would profit from the sale of these drugs market them with Ñfeel good* names
or as a harmless Ñhighs.* But we in law enforcement and in the health community know the truth.
It is time this practice stopped, and with the partnership here today we can quickly make a
difference with this new threat.”
Once again Alabama is in the lead in matters concerning the protection of our citizens, joining
Florida, Louisiana and North Dakota in the declaration of these substances as controlled.
Attorney General Luther Strange, Dr. Williamson and public health, the Alabama Department of
Forensic Sciences and all the Alabama district attorneys have worked together to make this
enforcement happen.
Notice of this emergency scheduling will be made to Alabama district attorneys and the law
enforcement community.
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2/22/11
