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Synthetic Drug Ban Passes U.S. Senate

The U.S. Senate banned chemicals used to make the synthetic drug known as "K2" or "bath salts."

The U.S. Senate on Tuesday voted to ban chemicals used to make the synthetic drug known as "K2" or "bath salts", according to the Des Moines Register.

The ban, which still requires President Obama's signature, outlaws 28 chemicals that are used to make the synthetic drugs, which are often sold as hygiene products, incense or potpourri, according to the paper.

Such man-made drugs recently received national attention when a man, allegedly high on bath salts, brutally assaulted a homeless person in Miami by chewing his face off. At least 43 states have already banned synthetic drugs, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Just last week, Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder signed a package of bills into law that outlawed the drugs, which have been cited as a reason for increased hospitalizations and psychotic behavior in the state.

Tina Trenkner is the Deputy Editor for GOVERNING.com. She edits the Technology and Health newsletters.
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