Spices and Bath Salts

Spices and Bath Salts

Spices and bath salts are commonly referred to as designer drugs because they are said to mimic the effects of other drugs. Bath salts are made to replicate the effects of cocaine, methamphetamine, and PCP. These drugs started in Europe and replaced ecstasy and started to appear in the U.S. in 2008. There has yet to be enough significant research to show that these synthetic drugs caught long term effects.

Spice is made up of plants and herbs sprayed with synthetic chemicals which cause the high. Bath salts are powders or salt substances. Spices are usually sold in foil packages, lip balm containers, and clear plastic bags. Bath salts are also sold in foil packages, lip balm containers, and vials.

Spice is 50 to 500 times stronger than THC found in marijuana. Both spices and bath salts are used in the same manner as the drugs they mimic. Because spices and bath salts are labeled as "not for human consumption," they are considered illegal if caught with possession of either one of these drugs. To tell the difference between real spices and bath salts is the price. A 30 ounce container of real bath salts cost $4.00; whereas, a 30 ounce container of drugs mislabeled of bath salts cost $51,000.

These drugs are not regulated and are not detected on standard tests; thus, need a specialized test. These synthetic drugs appeal to those in the army, athletes, and those on probation. Because these drugs are relatively new, there are large gaps in data from synthetic drug users. There are some local efforts to bring about these types of drugs from the High Drug Community Coalition and High Desert Partnership.