BALTIMORE, MD (October 26, 2015)– Mayor Rawlings-Blake and Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen today announced new legislation that will impose stiff penalties for individuals selling synthetic drugs, and a new campaign that is targeting retailers from selling these dangerous substances.

Synthetic drugs have seen increased popularity nationwide, including in Washington D.C. Recently, Baltimore City health officials are seeing an increase in visits to emergency departments due to overdoses on synthetic drugs.

“We need to be proactive, to stop these substances before they become an issue here in Baltimore,” said Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake. “Thanks to this bill, we will be able to stiffen penalties for those who try to sell these drugs, and help keep these substances off our streets."

Synthetic drugs, such as “K2,” “Spice,” or “Bath Salts.” are marketed as safe alternatives to illicit drugs and contain untested chemical compounds that can have devastating effects on users. While these synthetic drugs are illegal in Maryland, producers can quickly change the chemical compounds and the exterior packaging to avoid prosecution.

Specifically, the bill introduced today will:

• More clearly define synthetic drugs under the existing law;
• Prohibit anyone from distributing synthetic drugs in Baltimore City;
• Seize any product suspected of being a synthetic drug with a $1,000 dollar fine per package; and
• Allow for the suspension or revocation of licenses of retailers licensed by the Health Department who selling these products.

Additionally, to unite communities against synthetic drugs, the Baltimore City Health Department today released a new public awareness campaign designed to encourage retailers, especially corner stores, to refrain from selling synthetic drugs. BCHD representatives have already begun to engage the Maryland Association of Retailers, MAPDA, and other individual retailers around Baltimore to alert them to the new bill, and to ask stores to voluntarily post “Not A Drug Dealer” signs as part of their commitment to not selling synthetic drugs.

“I have treated dozens of patients in the ER who suffer from seizures, kidney failure, and even death from these synthetic drugs,” said Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen. “These products are marketed as being 'natural' and 'safe' but they are anything but, and they should not be available in our corner stores, gas stations, and throughout our city. By working with Baltimore’s businesses, we can help keep these dangerous drugs out of our communities.”

To learn more about the synthetic drug bill and campaign, please visit: http://health.baltimorecity.gov/syntheticdrugban