Objective: To review the current legal status and patterns of abuse of bath salts. Data Sources: A literature search was conducted through MEDLINE (1950-December 2011), PubMed (1966–December 2011), EMBASE (1966-December 2011), and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970-December 2011) using the search terms bath salts, mephedrone, and methylenedioxypyrovalerone to identify articles on the legal status of bath salts and on studies focusing on patterns of abuse of bath salts. The GovTrack.us Web site was searched to determine the status of federal bills regarding bath salts. The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy and Drug Enforcement Administration Web sites and the Federal Registerwere also examined to identify legislation on bath salts. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Case reports and studies regarding bath salts were examined. Federal laws involving bath salts were also evaluated. Data Synthesis: The Department of Justice issued a final order in the Federal Register, temporarily placing the 3 synthetic stimulants, mephedrone, methylenedioxypyrovalerone, and methylone, under Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. Literature evaluated included case reports, retrospective studies, surveys, toxicology data, and chemical analyses studies. Information in the literature demonstrated that bath salts are highly abused, and common adverse effects include hypertension, tachycardia, and psychiatric symptoms. Conclusions: Psychoactive substances recently sold as bath salts have been placed in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. Pharmacists can play an important role in raising awareness on the dangers of bath salts abuse through patient counseling and community outreach programs. The evidence on legal status and patterns of abuse clearly demonstrates that bath salts contain dangerous substances that should be permanently controlled.

Several states have legalized the use of marijuana for chronic and debilitating medication conditions. Pharmacists need to understand the complex legal framework surrounding this issue so that they can protect themselves and better serve their patients.

No abstract

Carisoprodol should be placed in schedule IV of the CSA based on its abuse potential and current state laws and regulations. Federally scheduling carisoprodol would lead to uniformity among the states and hopefully assist in preventing prescription drug abuse. Larger, well-designed studies evaluating carisoprodol abuse should be performed.

Drug information (Dl) resource requirements differ between states and pmctice setthg or specialty. The objective of this study was to determine each state's legal requirements for maintaining Dl resources in a pharmacy according to g e n d or specialty practice. All 50 states in the United States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico were targeted to identi& their mandated Dl resources. G e n d resources were required by 50 boards of pharmacy (or jurisdictions) (96.2%), whereas 43 (82.6%) specified site-or practice-specific resources. Minnesota and South Dakota (3.8%) requiredprint ref@ences. Forty (76.9%) required cuwent laws or regulations. Other specifications inchde allowances for journals (7.7%). requirements for h d a l medicine infaation (7.7%). and a resource in support of immunization administmtion (5.8%). I%is study details Dl references mandated in the United States. Pharmacists should be aware that their state and a m of pmctice may dictate which Dl resources they must maintain to be in compliance with relevant laws.