Poison Control Says Bath Salts Are Being Abused

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Poison control officials say abuse of bath salts is the latest drug problem in Minnesota. The bath salts often contain mephedrone, a synthetic stimulant that some say can be as powerful as methamphetamine.

Kirk Hughes from the Minnesota Poison Control System says his organization is seeing "fairly high incidents" of adverse effects of the powder by recreational users.

The bath salts are often sold under names such as Ivory Wave, White Lightning and Red Dove and often come in a clear capsule containing white powder that is smoked, snorted, ingested or injected.

Hughes says they've recently seen seven case of bath salt abuse.  He says the salts can cause hallucinations, vomiting, rapid heart rates and cardiac problems.

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