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Last updated on Friday, November 7, 2014
(INDIANAPOLIS) - The Indiana Board of Pharmacy recently passed emergency rules banning three different types of compounds used in synthetic drugs, such as “Spice” and “K2.” The rules were posted on Indiana Register and will be effective in 30 days.
The emergency rules enacted by the Board will be in place through the 2015 legislative session, allowing the Legislature the opportunity to enact the rules into state statute. This is the seventh time the Board has used its emergency rulemaking powers to fight synthetic drugs since being given the authority by the General Assembly in 2012.
"The Board of Pharmacy is squarely focused on protecting Hoosiers and taking quick action to make sure harmful synthetic drugs aren't available," said Nicholas W. Rhoad, Executive Director of the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency. "These drugs are typically sold under false pretenses to minors, and the consequences can be lethal. We are diligently working with the Indiana State Police and other authorities to safeguard the health, safety and well-being of Hoosier families and children."
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, Spice products are second to only marijuana in the use of illicit drugs by young people due to its easy access, the misperception that it is 'natural' and that it is not easily detected on drug tests.
"These synthetic drugs are very dangerous, and we are committed to doing our part in combating the manufacturers who try to change the chemical design of these drugs to skirt state law and the retailers selling these products to the public," said Rhoad.
The Board works closely with the Indiana State Police to identify the compounds used in synthetic drugs so that swift action can be taken. Rogue chemists constantly change the chemical formulas of these dangerous synthetic drugs in an effort to stay ahead of lawmakers. Indiana Code allows the Board of Pharmacy to pass emergency rules so that law enforcement can take effective and timely action against this threat to Hoosiers.
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