KOTA Territory NewsSynthetic drug bill gains support in legislature

Synthetic drug bill gains support in legislature

A bill targeting the sale of synthetic drugs is gaining support in the legislature.
 
The senate committee voted six-to-one on a bill to increase the list of controlled substance in South Dakota.
If the bill becomes law, anyone caught possessing or selling synthetic marijuana or bath salt drugs could face a felony charge.
The bill comes just days after Rapid City and Deadwood police raided at least three establishments in connection with selling synthetic drugs.

Panel members say South Dakota has an epidemic on its hands given soaring numbers of emergency room admissions. Some Health committee members say the drugs' effects are more severe than regular marijuana and should come off the shelves.

Criminal defense lawyer Bob Pesall says a felony conviction is too extreme as it has a permanent impact on a person's life.

Sen. Bruce Rampelberg agrees. He says ``young people do stupid things.''