JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Gov. Jay Nixon signed a law on Thursday that criminalizes the sale of bath salts and other types of synthetic marijuana. It also makes those substances a schedule 1 illegal substance with criminal penalties the same as those for marijuana. Substances falling into the “synthetic cannabinoid” category include ‘K2’, ‘K3’ and ‘Bath Salts’, among others.
The governor's office says the law, which is effective on Aug. 28, provides law enforcement with a new tool to stay ahead of criminals. It eliminates the need to seek new legislation each time a new derivative of these drugs is developed. The governor's office says any cannabinoid compound that is developed will fall under this new definition.
----
The new law is HB641. Rep. Franz Ward, R-West Plains, is the sponsor. Rep. Eric Burlison, R-Springfield, is one of 13 co-sponsors.
