How did “bath salts” become popular?

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Go back to 10 Facts About Synthetic Cathinones ("Bath Salts," "Flakka")

One of the earliest synthetic cathinones to become a popular recreational drug was mephedrone in the UK. In the mid-2000s, mephedrone was legal and cheap to produce, import, and sell. Mephedrone’s rise in popularity was due to its availability and similar effects to MDMA. People may use synthetic cathinones accidentally, when something sold as “molly” contains synthetic cathinones rather than MDMA.

People may use synthetic cathinones because they can more easily avoid detection, rather than due to preference over other substances. Standard drug tests for cocaine, MDMA and other amphetamines will not trigger a positive result for synthetic cathinones. This can appeal to active military personnel, professional athletes, people on parole, people in treatment for substance misuse, and anyone under surveillance for drug use. 

See the fact sheet for more information and sources.

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Go back to 10 Facts About Synthetic Cathinones ("Bath Salts," "Flakka")

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Synthetic Cathinones: Media Tips

The Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) advocates for sharing information about synthetic cathinones grounded in research and science. Unfortunately, reporting about these substances can contain inaccuracies and exaggerations that often leads to fear and bad policy.
 
This tip sheet for media provides brief answers to some of the most commonly-asked questions about synthetic cathinones and example phrasing that is accurate and not sensationalized.