Stores selling synthetic marijuana, 'bath salts' could be shut down for year

INDIANAPOLIS | A business caught selling synthetic marijuana or illegal stimulants marketed as "bath salts" would be shut down for one year under an amendment approved Monday by the Indiana House.

The Republican-controlled chamber voted 94-0 to add a provision to Senate Bill 234 that would strip the retail merchant certificate of a business convicted of selling the drugs, popularly known as Spice, Extreme, K2 or "bath salts."

An Indiana retailer cannot sell anything without a retail merchant certificate.

An owner, officer, partner, director or manager of a business shut down for selling synthetic marijuana or "bath salts" also would be barred from obtaining a retail merchant certificate for one year.

State Rep. Chet Dobis, D-Merrillville, said Indiana has had minimal success targeting the drugmakers and should try to stop the sellers.

"It's time we sent a message," Dobis said.

State Rep. Vernon Smith, D-Gary, said he's sick of seeing service stations and convenience stores in Gary openly selling synthetic marijuana and "bath salts."

"Maybe this will get the message out there to stop that," Smith said.

A compliance check in Hammond last week found at least two gas stations selling synthetic marijuana. Both were cited.

The House could vote on the amended legislation as soon as Tuesday.

The Republican-controlled Senate also must agree to the one-year business shutdown penalty before the measure can go to the governor.