DHEC moving forward with synthetic drug ban in SC

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina health officials are working on an emergency regulation to ban chemicals found in synthetic drugs that law enforcement officials say are sweeping the state.

Department of Health and Environmental Control spokesman Adam Myrick said Thursday the agency was working on a ban imposing civil penalties for anyone found making, selling or possessing the drugs known as bath salts and synthetic marijuana. DHEC hasn’t determined exactly what those penalties might be.

Bath salts are a stimulant that can mimic the effects of cocaine, LSD and methamphetamine. Synthetic marijuana is sold as blends of herbs and plant materials coated with chemicals that produce a euphoric feeling when ingested or smoked.

Myrick says DHEC hopes the ban will stem the drugs’ tide until state lawmakers can outlaw them next year.