As expected, the House of Representatives has passed a bill banning synthetic stimulants and cannabinoids. On the positive side, 98 members voted against responding to the drugs with a new prohibition.
Between now and the seating of a new Congress after the 2012 elections, drug reform is going to be a tough slog on Capitol Hill. But that doesn't mean reformers are going away, or that there aren't battles to be fought and won.
Ivory Wave and other products containing "bath salts" will soon be banned. (image via Wikimedia)
The DEA has responded to the latest synthetic drug panic in the only way it knows how -- by enacting bans. This time it's the "bath salts" drugs under attack.
Congress never met a new drug it didn't want to ban. (image via Wikimedia)
Acting with great rapidity for a legislative body, the Czech Parliament has moved to ban dozens of synthetic drugs, and the stuff that gets you high in salvia divinorum, too.
No new legal drugs for you, Kentucky! (Image via Wikimedia.org)