Washington permanently bans ‘bath salts’

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — The state Pharmacy Board has filed a rule permanently banning so-called “bath salts” that are used as drugs to mimic the effects of cocaine, LSD, ecstasy, or methamphetamine. The synthetic marijuana and synthetic stimulants have been temporarily banned since April. The rule going into effect by Nov. 3 gives law enforcement clear authority to prosecute the manufacture, sale and possession of these chemicals.