Midlothian, VA (June 14, 2011) – Governor Bob McDonnell ceremonially signed seven pieces oflegislation today that will provide for better safety in Virginia’s schools, including HB 1434 which banssynthetic marijuana and bath salts.
The legislation, sponsored by Delegate T. Scott Garrett, M.D. (R- Lynchburg), and Senator MarkHerring (D- Loudoun) focuses on the protection of our children by making illegal the possession,sale, distribution, or possession with intent to sell 10 varieties of synthetic cannabinoids. Syntheticcannabinoids are chemical compounds sprayed on dried herbs that, when smoked, are intended tocreate a euphoria similar to marijuana. Also banned by the legislation are so-called “bath salts”, orsynthetic methamphetamines, which also have very serious side effects. Side effects from the use ofthese drugs can include nausea, vomiting, rapid heart rate, and seizure disorder.

“I am honored to have joined our Governor Bob McDonnell, Secretary of Public Safety Marla Decker,and all of my colleagues in the Virginia House of Delegates and Virginia Senate in a broad bi-partisaneffort to ban synthetic cannabinoids from our streets and from our schools. These dangerous bio-organic chemicals harm our children, yet have no medicinal value and are intended to circumvent thelaws of our land. I will continue to introduce and support commonsense legislation that strengthens ourfamilies,” said Delegate Garrett.
Delegate T. Scott Garrett, M.D. represents the 23rd District in the Virginia General Assembly.