Klobuchar to Introduce Legislation to Ban Synthetic Drug 2C-E
Press Release
U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar announced that she will offer legislation to ban the synthetic drug 2C-E, which resulted in the death of one Minnesotan this past week and hospitalized several others. Klobuchar said the synthetic drug should be illegal and will work to include it as part of the bipartisan bill she cosponsored with U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), which banned other harmful chemicals commonly used in synthetic drugs such as "K2" or "Spice." The drugs have resulted in numerous reports of individuals acting violently while under the influence of these drugs, leading to deaths or injuries to themselves and others.
"These dangerous drugs pose serious risks to the public and have tragically killed and injured Minnesotans,"said Klobuchar. "These drugs should be made illegal and the chemicals used to make them should be banned so that they can no longer be easily purchased online and in stores around the country. We need to take action now before these substances endanger any more lives."
Late last week, Klobuchar introduced legislation, the Dangerous Synthetic Drug Control Act of 2011, with Grassley and 5 other Senators that would permanently ban five chemicals found in K2 that the DEA has temporarily banned. The legislation would treat K2 and other synthetic drugs like other banned narcotics such as methamphetamines and cocaine.
Klobuchar is a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee's Subcommittee on Crime and Terrorism, which has jurisdiction over issues relating to drug control policy, and she has been a leader in strengthening drug safety standards to protect consumers. Last year Klobuchar introduced the Secure and Responsible Drug Disposal Act of 2010 with Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) to provide patients with safe and responsible ways to dispose of unused controlled substances. The legislation, which was signed into law in October 2010, helps reduce the risk that teenagers will gain access to expired or unwanted prescription drugs in homes by permitting individuals and long-term care facilities to deliver unused drugs for safe disposal.
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