Statement from Director Kerlikowske Regarding Passage of the Synthetic Drug Control Act of 2011(H.R. 1254)

Washington, D.C. - Gil Kerlikowske, Director of National Drug Control Policy today issued the following statement regarding the House passage of H.R. 1254, the Synthetic Drug Control Act of 2011:

“I commend the House of Representatives for taking action to protect young people from the emergence of synthetic drugs of abuse. Make no mistake. Poisons that are being marketed as so-called ‘bath salts’ and ‘legal’ marijuana like K2 and Spice are dangerous drugs that can cause serious harm. Poison control center data across America have shown a substantial rise in the number of calls from victims suffering serious consequences from these synthetic drugs and too many young people are using them. We will continue to work with states and the public health and safety community to respond to this emerging threat but in the meantime, parents must take action. Research shows parents are the most powerful force in the lives of young people and we ask that all of them to talk to their teens today about the serious consequences of using all drugs, including those sold as bath salts, K2, or Spice.”