Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed a law authored by Assemblyman Edward C. Braunstein (D-Bayside) and Senator Joseph I. Griffo (R-C-IP-Rome) to ban certain substances dangerously marketed as "bath salts" from sale, manufacturing, possession, and distribution in New York State (A.4769/S.3322).

"Deceptively labeled as 'bath salts' these dangerous products have become an alternative to methamphetamine use with disastrous results," Governor Cuomo said. "They are a growing danger to public health and today's signing to ban these products is a critical step towards ridding New York of these harmful drugs. I applaud Senator Griffo and Assemblyman Braunstein for working to pass this much-needed legislation."

This legislation addresses products labeled as 'bath salts' being sold online and in small convenience stores and other retail outlets across the state. The compounds often contain a number of synthetic chemicals that function as a legal alternative to hallucinogenic drugs. Use of these products has resulted in violent reactions, often leading to hospitalizations and sometimes death. This law adds the synthetic drugs – methylenedioxypyrovalerone, also known as MDPV, and Methoxymethcathinone, also known as Medphedrone, to the Schedule I list of controlled substances, banning the use, sale, distribution and manufacturing of products that contain at least one of these compounds.

State Assemblyman Edward C. Braunstein said, "Deceptive labeling and marketing of these bath salts has led to incredibly dangerous consequences in New York and the rest of the country. With this new law, the state has recognized and responded to these sinister products by establishing these bath salts as controlled substances. We must continue to combat the dangers of drugs in our state and do what we can to help foster a drug-free New York. I thank Governor Cuomo for signing my first bill into law and appreciate his commitment to drug abuse prevention."

U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer said, "Governor Cuomo is doing the right thing in stopping the sale and distribution of fake bath salts which are extremely hazardous to consumers who purchase them for illegal drug use. As I have said before, these dangerous substances have been abused and have caused serious health problems and sometimes death. This new law will go far in protecting the health of New Yorkers and our communities, and I'm going to keep pushing to ban these substances across the country. I am proud to stand with a Governor Cuomo, a fellow advocate for drug-free communities across this state, as he signs this bill that will make New York safer."

State Senator Joseph A. Griffo said, "I thank Governor Cuomo for signing our bill to take the type of state-level action that is needed to protect New Yorkers from dangerous and mislabeled products known as 'bath salts.' By signing this bill, Governor Cuomo has proven that our state government is serious about fighting drugs right here at home. This new law exposes the disguise and danger of these products and rightly bans them. The Governor's action in signing it shows that state government is responding to challenges and taking the necessary actions to protect the people of New York."