Connecticut House Votes To Ban Chemicals In Bath Salts

HARTFORD, Conn. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- The Connecticut House of Representatives has voted to ban the dangerous chemicals found in "bath salts," substances that people are smoking, snorting and injecting to get high.

House Minority Leader Lawrence Cafero Jr. of Norwalk offered an amendment on Friday that requires the state's consumer protection commissioner to designate two chemicals used in the fake bath salts as Schedule 1 Controlled Substances. Those convicted of illegally possessing the drugs could face both fines and prison time.

Cafero said he just recently became aware of bath salts, also known as "Ivory Snow," "Vanilla Sky," "Hurricane Charlie" and "Blue Silk." They've been sold on the Internet, in convenience stores and head shops.

Side effects can include extreme paranoia, hallucinations, delusions, hypertension, chest pain and suicidal thoughts.

The bill now moves to the Senate.

Just last month, New York State Health Commissioner Nirav Sha issued an order banning the sale of bath salts.

Sen. Charles Schumer is seeking a nationwide ban.

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