A new federal ban on 31 synthetic drugs does little to curb the increasing use of the synthetic drug known as bath salts, said Linda Bouchard, a criminalist 2 at the New Hampshire State Police forensics lab.

The ban, signed into law by President Barack Obama on July 9, mainly focuses on outlawing synthetic cannabinoids, also known as synthetic marijuana. The first 20 synthetic drugs banned by the law are cannabinoids.

“As far as the lab is concerned, I think this is a really good start regarding the synthetic cannabinoids, those are the ones commonly known as K-2 and Spice,” Bouchard said.

Synthetic cannabinoids are often sold as “incense,” but are smoked by users.

The “fake weed” is made up of vegetative matter, which has been sprayed with chemicals that cause psychotropic effects.

“Lots of people think these are just natural products and it isn't,” Bouchard said.

These chemicals are believed to be synthesized in clandestine labs in China, she said.

“Granted, it's nice to have them controlled because they are psychoactive substances,” Bouchard said, adding, “It really doesn't address the bath salts problem that we are seeing now. We are going to need some more work on the bath salts. There is going to have to be some further legislation on those for sure.”

“Bath salts” is a catch-all name for a group of synthetic drugs that mimic both stimulants and hallucinogens and can be bought at convenience stores throughout the country, as well as online. These synthetic drugs that come in powder form are not the same as the cosmetic salts used for aromatic baths but are sometimes marketed as “stimulating bath salts.” They also have been marketed as plant food and stain remover among other household items.

Essentially, they are chemically engineered central nervous system stimulants that mimic the effects of illegal drugs such as Ecstasy, methamphetamine and cocaine.

This new law permanently bans MDPV and mephedrone, but doesn't address methylone nor the many other chemicals associated with bath salt ingredients that are currently being sold legally, such as the bath salts sold at a convenience store in the small town of Marlborough, just outside Keene, Marlborough Sgt. Joseph Hazelrigg said when the federal government banned the bath salt substances last fall. The makers changed the chemical structure slightly and began selling legal bath salts again.

“It's like whack-a-mole. You hit one on the head and another pops up,” Hazelrigg said. “I suppose any measures they take to identify and control these drugs is a step in the right direction. I don't know what the true solution would be.”

“Bath salts are a really big problem now and in my opinion these are a bigger problem than the Spice drugs so it needs to be addressed and it needs to be addressed soon,” Bouchard said.

While synthetic cannabinoids can cause health problems for the users, bath salts make the users extremely paranoid and a danger to themselves as well as others. Police and emergency room staff have increasingly come into contact with bath salt users over the past year.

In June, Cheshire County House of Corrections Superintendent Richard N. Van Wickler said because his jail is seeing more protective custody subjects brought in high on bath salts he has started keeping track of the cases, saying it is a growing problem. The people are often out of control, incoherent, and a danger to themselves, he said.

“Both drugs are horrendous, but the real psychosis and violent acts are associated with the bath salts,” Bouchard said.

mpierce@newstote.com