Lawmaker to propose bath salts bill

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - A local lawmaker is looking to ban new forms of bath salts and synthetic marijuana in the state.

State Rep. Joseph McNamara wants to crackdown on companies that make these drugs.

He says the companies have found ways to go around a federal law by altering how the product is made.

"Bath salts and synthetic cannabis have now become a real problem for our law enforcement and our emergency room doctors in the last few months," said Representative Joseph McNamara in a press release. "Here you have an easily accessible substance that can have serious consequences for the mental and physical health of our young people in this state."

Federal officials say the products are to blame for more than 4,000 calls to poison control centers last year.

Rep. McNamara says "Kids are smoking synthetic pot and expecting to get high, but in reality they're exposing themselves to a lot more damage."

Rep. McNamara plans to file a bill before the legislative session begins in January.