Dangerous Synthetic Drugs Gaining Popularity

Fake pot, bath salts can kill or sicken users; legislation introduced to ban chemicals used to make such substances

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By CBS NEWS
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Story Created: Apr 7, 2011 at 3:39 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Apr 7, 2011 at 3:45 PM AKDT

(CBS News)  

Fake pot and "bath salts" that mimic the effects of marijuana and cocaine are among synthetic drugs growing in popularity. Not only are they making people sick, the number of those seeking medical treatment because of these drugs is skyrocketing. And for some users, the drugs have proven fatal.

 

"Early Show" Consumer Correspondent Susan Koeppen reports there's growing concern over the use of synthetic substances because they're easy to find and, in some cases, perfectly legal to buy.

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An "Early Show" staffer, Koeppen showed, had no problem scoring fake pot and bath salts.

Synthetic drugs mimic marijuana, cocaine and ecstasy, and they're having powerful effects on users.

Dr. Tony Scalzo, of Cardinal Glennon Hospital in St. Louis, said, "We're seeing patients who are nauseous, vomiting, getting agitated, paranoid, have to come to emergency departments.

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