MONTPELIER, Vt. -
Even after Governor Peter Shumlin signed an order banning more than 80 synthetic substances, including bath salts, medical experts say they're still having issues with companies finding a different way to make the drugs.
"They just tweak these test tubes in which you can do in a test tube in mass quantities," said Central Vermont Medical Center Medical Director Mark Depman.
To help combat that Shumlin recently signed a second order, adding dozens more substances that can't be sold or used in Vermont.
Public Safety Commissioner Keith Flynn says the 21-page document ends those loopholes.
He says even with police confiscating drugs, people are still finding ways to get high.
Did the bans work?
Doctors at the Central Vermont Medical Center say absolutely.
They've seen a dramatic reduction in the number of synthetic drug related cases.
"I would say we've see a two-thirds reduction," said Depman.
Depman says banning synthetic drugs is a major victory.
He says over the past year a number of people would come to the emergency room on the drugs.
It's a situation that he says wasn't just dangerous for the patient, but the medical staff as well.
"This is a really good thing because the side effects of these drugs are extremely unpredictable, and we were seeing some very unpredictable side effects," said Depman.
The temporary ban will be in effect for four months.
State leaders say that will give the health department time to draft legislation to get those drafts off the street for good.
