Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Bill would ban basic compounds behind synthetic drugs like bath salts, spice


About HB 2327:
• Author: Rep. Eddie Farnsworth, R-Gilbert.
• Key provision: Would expand the state's definition of dangerous drugs to include chemical configurations that typically compose synthetic cannabinoids and bath salts.
• Status: Endorsed by the House Judiciary Committee and headed to the floor by way of the Rules Committee.
PHOENIX – It’s become a pattern as state lawmakers try to address synthetic drugs such as bath salts or spice: Almost as soon as one recipe is outlawed, manufacturers simply change to a mix that isn’t banned.
Hoping to get ahead of that cycle, the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee is out to ban the basic chemical formulas underlying such drugs.
“Imagine a Christmas tree. You can change one of the bulbs on the lights and it’s a little different, but it’s the same tree,” said Rep. Eddie Farnsworth, R-Gilbert. “This bill would just outlaw the Christmas tree.”
Farnsworth said that chemists have identified the most basic formulas used to create synthetic drugs. HB 2327 would ban those basic formulas so the substances are always illegal despite any alteration.
He said he avoided banning any formula that had a legitimate commercial use, such as the recipes for cleaning supplies.
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