Klobuchar Statement on DEA Decision Banning Synthetic Stimulants in "Bath Salts'

Press Release

U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar today released the following statement after the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced it is using its emergency scheduling authority to temporarily ban three synthetic stimulants - Mephedrone, 3,4 methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) and Methylone -- commonly found in recreational drugs known as "bath salts." Bath salts have a similar effect on the body as cocaine and methamphetamine, and have resulted in numerous reports of individuals acting violently, leading to deaths or injuries to themselves or others. Klobuchar has co-sponsored legislation to ban the sale of dangerous synthetic drugs, including bath salts.

"This decision is a first step in helping keep our communities safe from dangerous synthetic drugs."Klobuchar said. "The DEA's action highlights the need to swiftly pass legislation permanently outlawing hazardous chemicals in bath salts as well as other synthetic drugs, and I will continue to push to make these substances illegal before they put more lives in danger."

Klobuchar has led the effort in the U.S. Senate to ban harmful chemicals in synthetic drugs that have taken lives -- including the life of a Minnesotan -- and injured many others. Klobuchar has introduced legislation, the Combating Designer Drugs Act of 2011, which bans the substance known as 2C-E, a synthetic hallucinogen, and eight other similar substances. Klobuchar introduced the legislation this past March after a Minnesota teenager died and ten others were hospitalized due to an overdose of 2C-E. Klobuchar has also co-sponsored two additional pieces of legislation that ban other chemicals commonly used in synthetic drugs, including bath salts.

Last week Klobuchar hosted a roundtable on synthetic drugs with U.S. Drug Control Policy Director Gil Kerlikowske and Minnesota law enforcement leaders. The discussion focused on efforts to curb the sale and use of dangerous synthetic drugs and highlighted how federal, state, and local leaders can work together to solve the problem.

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.

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