Lawmaker Wants Stiff Penalties for Sale of Bath Salts, Synthetic Marijuana

Legislation calls for five years in prison for sale of ‘bath salts’ in PA

House Caucus news release

HARRISBURG – Rep. Ron Marsico (R-Lower Paxton), majority chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, is pleased the House voted to pass legislation that would enact criminal penalties for the possession or sale of concentrated bath salts, synthetic marijuana and 2-ce.

“I have been working closely with the Senate in order to ensure rapid movement of legislation that will help to alleviate the growing problem that Pennsylvania has been seeing with the abuse of bath salts,” Marsico said. “Many cases have been reported of people legally purchasing concentrated bath salts and using them as a replacement for cocaine and heroin.  These bath salts, when smoked, snorted or injected, have the same effects as smoking, snorting or injecting cocaine or heroin.”

Currently, law enforcement cannot prosecute individuals for the sale or possession of the substances found in synthetic cocaine or heroin, which are found in bath salts, as well as synthetic marijuana and 2-ce.  Senate Bill 1006, sponsored by Sen. Elder Vogel Jr. (R-Allegheny/Beaver/Lawrence), addresses that situation by enacting criminal penalties for their possession or sale.

“People who have witnessed the effects of these substances have been begging us to immediately address this growing problem.  This legislation would do just that,” said Marsico.  “Those who prey on our residents would no longer be able to do so without serious repercussions.  Their first offense for possession with the intent to deliver or delivery would result in five years in prison and a $15,000 fine.  Simple possession of these substances would be a misdemeanor and give them a $5,000 fine and a maximum of one year in prison.  On second and subsequent violations, the maximum fine and penalty doubles.  As you can see, those who have no regard for the well-being of others will finally be held accountable with the enactment of this legislation.

“Many individuals who have used bath salts have been hospitalized, become suicidal, threatened the lives of others, endangered the welfare of children and experienced severe hallucinations,” Marsico said.  “I am extremely pleased that we were able to move this legislation out of the House quickly.  However, as I have said before, while we are waiting for this legislation to be enacted, I think it is the moral responsibility of business owners who are selling these bath salts to pull them off their shelves immediately in order to keep Pennsylvanians safe.”

Senate Bill 1006 will now go back to the Senate for final approval.