Bath Salts Drugs Should Be Banned, Senator Says: Why?

(CBS/AP) Ban bath salts? Sen. Charles Schumer thinks it's a good idea, at least if the salts contain the synthetic chemicals mephedrone and methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV).

The New York lawmaker announced on Sunday that he is introducing legislation to add the chemicals - said to produce a high similar to methamphetamine and cocaine when snorted, smoked, or injected - to a federally controlled substance list.

Bath salts and plant foods containing the drugs are now being sold legally in convenience stores, smoke shops and online under names such as "Tranquility" and "Zoom 2."

So far, there have been no reports of deaths linked to the drugs. But Schumer is adamant about the need for a ban.

"By calling them bath salts, they're trying to deliberately mislead people into thinking they are an everyday product," he said, adding that the drugs they contain are "nothing more than deadly narcotics."

One or both of the chemicals have already been banned in the European Union, Australia, Canada, and Israel, Reuters reported. In the U.S., Florida, Louisiana and North Dakota have all recently banned the substances.

Said Schumer, "The longer we wait to ban the substance, the greater risk we put our kids in."

What do you think? Is Chuck right about banning the bath salts?

Or is he all wet?