The Richland County Council will consider an ordinance that would ban synthetic drugs.
RICHLAND COUNTY (WACH)-- The Richland County Council is one step closer to approving an ordinance that would ban synthetic drugs like “bath salts.”
A committee forwarded the plan to the full council Tuesday afternoon. This means the proposed ordinance will be discussed at the next council meeting. The plan needs to pass three readings to gain approval.
On Monday, the Department of Health and Environmental Control followed up on a federal mandate making synthetic drugs illegal.
Officials approved a measure that mirrors the emergency regulation approved last week by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
That action makes possessing, selling or manufacturing bath salts and synthetic marijuana illegal.
The City of Columbia passed its own ordinance last month banning synthetic drugs. Violators could face 30-days in jail and a $500 fine.
The ingredients found in “bath salts” produce a “high” similar to cocaine or methamphetamine. Substances known as “K2” and “Spice” produce a “high” similar to marijuana.
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