(NASHVILLE, TN), March 15, 2012 -- Legislation dealing with the growing epidemic of synthetic drugs is progressing through the legislative process according to Senator Rusty Crowe (R-Johnson City), Representative Dale Ford (R-Jonesborough) and Representative Matthew Hill (R-Johnson City). Senate Bill 2280, which all three lawmakers are co-sponsoring, passed the House Judiciary Subcommittee this week. The proposal makes it a Class E felony to possess, use or sell synthetic substances intended to imitate controlled substances.
Synthetic drug products, which have become increasingly popular among teens and young adults, are sold at a variety of retail outlets like convenience stores, smoke shops and over the Internet. The products are sold under the guise of “bath salts” or “plant food” but are comprised of a class of chemicals perceived as mimics of substances like cocaine, LSD and methamphetamines.
Ford said the General Assembly has passed legislation to ban the chemical compound used in synthetic drugs; however, unscrupulous chemists manufacturing the drugs continue to modify molecules in the organic compound to avoid prosecution. By the time a new synthetic drug is discovered and banned, another altered form of the compound has taken its place.
“These synthetic designer drugs are being put on the street quicker than law enforcement officers can get them off,” said Rep. Ford. “We must address this problem as quickly and comprehensively as possible, being very careful that we are on solid ground to hold up against any possible challenge.”
“The synthetic drug epidemic targets Tennessee’s youth,” added Rep. Hill. “It is vital that we get in front of this drug wave before it is too late for many young Tennesseans.”
“This is a growing public health problem,” said Senator Crowe, who is Chairman of the Senate Health and Welfare Committee. “Our hospitals are seeing a growing number of cases of people who are admitted due to their effects. The effects can be severe, including death. We also do not know what the long term effects will be on users.”
Earlier this month, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) Director Mark Gwyn told Senate Judiciary Committee members that synthetic drugs have the potential to eclipse methamphetamine as the most dangerous drug in Tennessee unless action is taken. Gwyn said there are many new synthetic drugs on the horizon that have not made it to Tennessee yet, including one mimicking Oxycontin. He said the drug, which is produced in China, comes in a container similar to 5-hour energy drinks.
The legislation co-sponsored by Crowe, Hill and Ford is modeled after laws currently in place in Florida and Virginia. It was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee on March and is awaiting action in the Senate Finance Committee.
“This bill has an excellent chance for passage,” Hill concluded. “We will continue to push for approval.”
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