Gov. Chris Christie has signed a ban on synthetic drugs known as “bath salts” in New Jersey.
The new law makes it a crime to possess or sell the chemicals used to make the drugs. The powdery substances are snorted by users and mimic the effects of cocaine and methamphetamines.
The bill known as “Pamela’s Law” was named for Pamela Schmidt. The Rutgers student was murdered and authorities believe the man accused of killing her was under the influence of bath salts at the time.
“These chemicals have no valid medical use and can only cause life-threatening harm to those who ingest them,” said Christie. “This action, coupled with our efforts statewide to raise awareness of the dangers of these and other drugs, will give law enforcement the tools they need to properly address the proliferation of these drugs and help us to ensure that needless and senseless additional damage is not caused to families in our state.”
A law banning the sale or possession of the synthetic drugs took effect in Pennsylvania on Monday.
