From
philly.com:
A bill that would ban the sale of a legal yet powerful drug known as "
bath salts" is heading to Gov. Corbett's desk after unanimous passage by the state Senate on Wednesday.
A spokesman said Corbett would sign the bill, which also would outlaw
synthetic marijuana.
"Bath salts," which have the scientific name methylenedioxypyrovalerone, are a stimulant that can produce hallucinations and touch off bizarre or violent behavior when ingested, injected, or smoked.
The popularity of the drug, bought at convenience stores and on the Internet for as little as $10, has spread from Europe to most parts of the United States, particularly among teens and young adults in rural areas.
About 20 states, including New Jersey, have moved to ban the salts, which are unrelated to traditional bath salts. Five counties and one municipality in Pennsylvania - all in the central or northeastern part of the state - have banned the drug.
The bill, which would make local ordinances unnecessary, carries a penalty of up to five years for possessing the drug with intent to sell. Users would face fines and up to a year in jail.