Burlington, Vt. - Vermont is taking a tougher stance on designer drugs linked to paranoia, seizures, and even death.
These drugs are most commonly known as bath salts and synthetic marijuana. They are essentially powders and herbs laced with synthetic chemicals.
"Many people experience paranoia and panic attacks. There's often severe affects on the heart. There's an increase in aggressive behavior including self-harm and harm to others," Vermont State toxicologist Sarah Vose said.
Cases such as these are on the rise in Vermont. Central Vermont Medical Center says it sees four to five patients a week. Six months ago, the hospital did not see any.
But we did see something. Designer drugs being sold on head shop shelves, legally. It was the result of a special investigation conducted in May.
Last year, Governor Peter Shumlin banned some synthetic chemicals used in the creation of the drugs. But, producers found a way around the law by using other synthetics.
We approached lawmakers with the problem but they said it was the first they had heard of it.
"To hear it from a reporter and not from the law enforcement community requires further investigation at the very least," Senator Vincent Illuzzi (R) Orleans said,
Now, something is being done. Vermont is banning 87 new synthetic chemicals. It is a move to crack down on sellers who are evading the law.
The ban goes into effect on Friday.
