States News Service
HARRISBURG, Pa. — State Rep. Jennifer Mann, D-Lehigh, said that as of today the possession and sale of so called “fake” drugs like synthetic marijuana, bath salts and salvia are now against the law in Pennsylvania thanks to a law she helped pass earlier this year.
“These poisons are called ‘fake drugs,’ but the danger they present to young people and the burden the use of these ‘fake’ drugs puts on our police departments and hospitals is all too real,” Mann said. “As of today we’re giving our police officers the tools they need to get these drugs off the street and out of retail stores.”
Under the law the first offense for delivery or possession with the intent to deliver carries a penalty of up to five years in prison and a $15,000 fine. Simple possession of the drug carries a penalty of up to a year in prison and a $5,000 fine.
“The biggest problem with these drugs was access a 17-year old couldn’t walk into a mini-mart and buy cigarettes or walk into a bar and buy alcohol without severe repercussions for the teenager and for the business doing the selling, but before this law that same teenager could walk into a smoke shop and buy a synthetic version of cocaine that’s been called even more intense and dangerous than the real drug by addicts.”
Mann said that Pennsylvania is now the 21st state to ban these drugs, but constant vigilance is required.
“The drug pushers that want to sell this garbage to our kids will try to get around the law any way they can there are already reports of a new ‘fake’ drug they’re calling ‘Jewelry Cleaner’ replacing bath salts on shelves. While this new law is an important tool, it’s equally important for parents to be aware of what their children are bringing home and for community leaders to be aware of what’s being sold in their towns.’
Copyright 2011 States News Service