MN Legislators to Discuss Crackdown on Synthetic Drugs Wednesday

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - A legislative panel will review a set of proposals intended to crack down on the sale of synthetic drugs.

The House Public Safety Committee takes up the legislation Wednesday.

It's the product of a special legislative committee that worked in recent months to address perceptions of a growing problem with synthetic marijuana and other intoxicants produced from bath salts and other chemicals.

The high-profile federal arrest and prosecution of Duluth head shop owner Jim Carlson brought greater attention to the issue.

The legislation would allow the state Board of Pharmacy the power to order businesses to stop selling synthetic drugs. It also calls for a statewide educational campaign, expanded drug definitions and training for prosecutors.