Bath Salts

What are bath salts?

“Bath salts” is a slang term for certain types of man-made drugs that are used to get high.  They are sold online, in head shops and elsewhere with brand names like Ivory Wave, Vanilla Sky, White Lightning, Bolivian Bath and Cloud 9.  They come in small packets as a white or tan powder.  Bath salts are stimulants (“uppers”), like ecstasy or cocaine.

These drugs are very different from products you would use in your tub, such as Calgon®.  The drugs were originally sold as “bath salts” or “plant food” and labeled “not for human consumption” in order to get around drug laws. The federal government and some states have taken steps to crack down on the availability of these drugs:

  • In October 2011, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration made it illegal to sell or possess three of the drugs that can be found in bath salts (mephedrone, methedrone and MDPV). This was a temporary order that will last for one year. It applies in all states.
  • In September 2011, the Maine legislature passed a law that makes it illegal to sell or possess eight drugs that can be found in bath salts.
  • In August 2011, the Vermont Department of Health made an emergency rule change that made it illegal to sell or possess mephedrone and MDPV. The rule change will last 120 days.  The department has proposed a permanent rule change.
  • New Hampshire has no specific laws or regulations about these drugs.
What are the symptoms of bath salts?

Bath salts are dangerous drugs.  People who take them can hurt themselves or people around them.

Someone who takes bath salts may:

  • Have a fast heart beat or high blood pressure
  • Have trouble sleeping
  • Feel very nervous or paranoid
  • See or hear things that aren’t there
  • Have muscle breakdown
  • Have seizures or uncontrolled body movements
  • Become violent and dangerous
What can you do about bath salts?

If someone has taken bath salts, or if you have other questions about these drugs, call the poison center at 1-800-222-1222 or chat now.

If someone has passed out, is not breathing or is acting violently, call 911 right away.

You can learn more about bath salts from the NNEPC Bath Salts Webinar.