Spice/K2 and "Bath Salts" Frequently Asked Questions

Board Adopts Permanent Rules Banning Synthetic Cannabinoids and Substituted Cathinones

The Washington State Board of Pharmacy has adopted rules to add synthetic cannabinoids and substituted cathinones to Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. The adopted rules were filed with the Code Revisers Office on November 1, 2011 (WSR 11-22-086). The rule becomes effective December 2, 2011.

The rules give clear authority to law enforcement to prosecute for the distribution, manufacture, sale, and possession of these substances. It alerts the public to the potential health risks that can result from using them.

The board will continue to work with prosecutors and the Washington State Patrol Forensic Laboratory to update the list of substances, as needed.

You can find more information on the Washington State Board of Pharmacy’s webpage. If you have questions, please contact Kitty Slater-Einert at 360-236-4861 or by email at kitty.slater@doh.wa.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are "Bath Salts?"

Bath salts are sold in smoke shops, head shops and over the internet as legal alternatives to illegal drugs. These products contain cathinone chemicals that behave like methamphetamine or cocaine. Users generally snort the powder as they would cocaine.

Are there other names for these bath salt products?

Other names for these substituted cathinones include, Ivory Wave, Purple Wave, Red Dove, Blue Silk, Zoom, Bloom, Cloud Nine, Ocean Snow, Lunar Wave, Vanilla Sky, White Lightning, Scarface, and Hurricane Charlie.

What are Spice and K2?

Spice, K2 and several other products are a type of synthetic marijuana. Manufactures spray Spice onto incense. These products are sold in smoke shops, head shops, and over the internet as a legal alternative to illegal drugs.

Are there other names for synthetic marijuana?

Other names for these synthetic marijuana chemicals include JWH-018, HU-210, Code ~160, Damiana, Summit, Genie, Blaze, red x dawn, Zohia, Black mamba, JWH-073, Synthetic marijuana, marijuana analog, THC analog, synthetic THC, spice xxx, spice triple x, spice K3, Buzz, Pulse, Hush, Mystery, Earthquake, Stinger, Serenity.

How dangerous are “bath salts” and Spice/K2?

The chemicals used in these products are very potent and the strength and content may vary greatly. They affect behavior, judgment, and health, and can cause serious harm when used. “Bath salts” may cause increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, anxiety, hallucinations, paranoia, chest pains, and other harmful effects. There have been reports of car crashes, self-mutilations, suicides, and homicides linked to the use of these drugs.

Isn’t Spice/K2already illegal to sell under federal law; if so, why is a state rule needed?

Local law enforcement can more effectively enforce state laws and rules than federal laws.

Will the Department of Health or the Board of Pharmacy inspect or check businesses to be sure these chemicals aren’t being sold?

The Department of Health and Board of Pharmacy do not license or inspect head shops or smoke shops. Local sheriffs and police departments have authority to enforce laws and rules on illegal drugs.

When is the emergency rule effective?

The new emergency rule is effective April 15, 2011. Rules banning Spice/K2 went into effect January 7, 2011.

When will the permanent rule become effective?

The permanent rule is effective December 2, 2011. Similar rules banning Spice/K2 went into effect January 7, 2011.

If someone already has some of this stuff, do they have to get rid of it to avoid being in violation?

Yes, it will be illegal to possess these chemicals.