HI HR239

Requests the Hawaii Advisory Commission on Drug Abuse and Controlled Substances to determine whether bath salts (mephedrone and methylenedioxypyrovalerone/MDPV) should be designated as controlled substances.

Bath salts are currently not designated as controlled substances under any of the five schedules of the Uniform Controlled Substances Act in Hawaii.

Identifies bath salts as synthetic designer drugs with stimulant properties that are snorted or smoked and produce effects similar to methamphetamine, sometimes causing violent behavior, hallucinations, paranoia, rapid heart rate, and suicidal thoughts.

Requests the Department of Public Safety to include in its mandatory annual report to the Legislature a recommendation on whether bath salts should be added to the schedules under the Uniform Controlled Substances Act.

References a February 2011 written warning from White House Drug Czar Gil Kerlikowske about the dangers of bath salts.