State Law Trumps Stow's Attempt at Banning Bath Salts

Stow was in the process of in the city and making it a misdemeanor offense, but with a recent state law making it a felony, Stow scrapped the idea.

The state's law Controlled Substance Law makes posession of the six types of chemicals in the synthetic drug a felony, "therefore as a city we are prevented from passing a ordinance or making what the state says is a felony, a misdemeanor," said Law Director Brian Reali. 

Possession and sale of the drug will be handled by state law. 

Reali said he has worked closely with the and is unaware of any businesses in the city selling bath salts. 

Police Chief Louis Dirker said there was one incident recently where police discovered a man was high on bath salts.

"So, they're around," he said.

Stow was basing its legislation off of Barberton's, where the drug is a weekly problem.

Reali said he has been discussing the situation with Barberton's law department.

"They have a medical overdose every week," he said.

Board President Janet D'Antonio, who brought the legislation to council, said Stow is lucky to not have a problem like Barberton.