Rogers Votes to Take Synthetic Drugs Off the Market

Statement

Today, U.S. Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers (KY-05) voted for the Synthetic Drug Control Act (H.R. 3537) to criminalize the sales of highly-potent, chemically-produced drugs like "bath salts" and "flakka." The bill targets synthetic drugs that are widely available online and at retail shops. Many synthetic or "designer" drugs are labeled 'not for human consumption' to avoid regulation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

"Synthetic drugs are being sold legally across the country, despite warnings that they can be more addictive and deadly than illicit drugs, like heroin. With this bill, we aim to take synthetic drugs off the market and hold drug dealers accountable," said Congressman Rogers, a co-sponsor of the bill. "More than 1,200 people died from drug overdose deaths in Kentucky last year, making every life-saving effort more critical with each passing day."

The Synthetic Drug Control Act would classify more synthetic drug compounds, identified by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), as Schedule I narcotics. It also holds distributors accountable and strengthens the Federal Analogue Act by criminalizing the sale, manufacture, import and distribution of synthetic drugs.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the bill, which now heads to the U.S. Senate for consideration.

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