Bath Salts Could Be Banned in Stow Before State Does

No, the city is not looking to ban anyone from taking a relaxing lavender-scented bath in Stow. But they have trained their sights on another kind of bath salt — one that is snorted, smoked or swallowed for a high.

City Council started discussing banning a synthetic drug, nicknamed bath salts, K2 or spice, which causes the user to hallucinate or become paranoid. 

The drug has a completely different chemical makeup than what is used to condition bath water.

Deputy Law Director John Scavelli introduced legislation during council's July 11 meeting that mirrors a law recently passed in Barberton. (A draft of the legislation is attached to this post.)

The state passed legislation banning the use, sale and posession of the drug and it is now sitting on Gov. John Kasich's desk for his signature. It is expected to be approved next week and would go into effect 90 days later.

"I don't think it'll hurt for us to have [a law] too," said Council President Janet D'Antonio. "We'll get the money [from those charged.]"

Scavelli said in Stow the offense would be similar to a marijuana charge — a minor-misdemeanor with a fine of $150. 

In Barberton's legislation, it states that bath salts have caused an "increase in crimes." 

Police Chief Louis Dirker said bath salts haven't been a problem in Stow. His department is unaware of any businesses in Stow selling the drug, he said.

"These substances are known to cause severe physiological and psychological effects on people when used, even in small doses," according to the drafted legislation. "The use of these products has been shown to cause harm to the person using them, as well as the general public and safety forces personnel when confronted by persons under the influence."

Bath salts often are sold in "head shops"  -- stores that sell drug paraphernalia, Scavelli said.

D'Antonio, who brought the issue to council, said she wants Stow to be proactive about the issue since the state's ban hasn't been signed yet.

For more on this topic, continue to check back with Stow Patch.

The next city council meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. July 14 at.