BALTIMORE, MD (February 22, 2016)–Today, Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen issued the following statement in support of Marylan'd General Assembly House Bill 749 which would prohibit the sale of powdered alcohol: 

“Alcohol is the most commonly used and abused drug among youth in the United States. Powdered alcohol is a dangerous form of the drug that is easy to conceal and easy to abuse. Our efforts need to be focused on making alcoholic products less, not more, available to young people.

A year ago, we introduced the Baltimore Statement on Dangers Of Powdered Alcohol, which highlights the public health risks associated with powdered alcohol. The Baltimore City Health Department brought together doctors and public health leaders across the state to achieve a temporary ban on the distribution and sale of this substance. Last week, we published an article in the Annals of Internal Medicine, noting how efforts here in Baltimore and in other cities are serving as a national model for policy change at both the state and federal levels.

We commend our leaders in Annapolis for taking up this issue and support the proposed legislation that will restrict the sale of powdered alcohol across Maryland.  By passing this permanent ban, we can ensure that our children are not recklessly exposed to these dangerous products.”