Senator Judiciary Committee Considers
January 31, 2012
Senate Bill 140 is sponsored by Senator Kevin Meyer (R-Anchorage) would ban a this drug which is misleadingly marketed as bath salts or plant food with names like ‘Meow-Meow,’ Vanilla Sky,’ ‘Ivory Snow,’ and ‘Bliss.’ According to the Alaska State Crime Lab, this new drug can cost up to $40 for a half ounce, and is accessible, and undetectable in most drug tests. “What makes these drugs so dangerous is how easy they are for kids to get their hands on and how they are being marketed,” said Senator Meyer. “With names like ‘Meow-Meow’ and ‘Vanilla Sky’, you can see why they would be appeal to kids.” Synthetic cathinones are known to produce a high similar to methamphetamine, ecstasy, or cocaine. Symptoms include paranoia, delusions, hallucinations, suicidal behavior and violence. Use of the drugs can also cause chest pains and increase blood pressure. In a letter of support for passage of Senate Bill 140, Anchorage Mayor Dan Sullivan said, “In response, the Municipality has enacted its own local code, but does not have the jurisdiction to deal with the influx of the drug on a state-wide basis or impose the kinds of meaningful criminal sentences that are needed to stem the manufacture, distribution, and sale of these drugs.” “The Municipality of Anchorage, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and the U.S. Military have all taken action to control or prohibit use of this drug,” said Senator Meyer. “Now it is time for us, as a Legislature, to do the same so that we can protect Alaskans and their families.” As of October 2011, the National Council of State Legislatures reports that 33 states have adopted laws or departmental rules banning chemical compounds associated with synthetic cathinones. Seven states currently have pending legislation. Senate Bill 140 was held in the Judiciary Committee for further consideration.
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