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Just weeks after researchers said that bath salts have a similar effect in the brain as cocaine and carry the same risk for abuse and addiction, New York State officials have issued new regulations to crack down on the increasingly widespread use of the drug and other synthetic drugs.

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced on Tuesday, Aug. 7 that the New York State Department of Health (DOH) has expanded the existing list of prohibited drugs and chemicals that are now used to make synthetic drugs. 

"Bath salts and other synthetic drugs pose a direct, serious threat to public health and safety, and we must do everything we can to remove these harmful substances from sale and distribution in New York," Cuomo said. "The actions we are announcing today attack the problem by helping our law enforcement officers enforce the rules, expanding the list of banned substances used to manufacture bath salts, and imposing tougher penalties so those who sell these drugs are held accountable."

Under the new regulations, owners of establishments and/or employees selling synthetic drugs will be charged with possession of an illicit substance. The regulations will also increase the criminal penalties for those who violate the rules. Violators will face fines up to $500 and potentially up to 15 days in jail.

In 2011, there were 39 reported emergency room visits in upstate New York as a result of bath salts. So far this year, there have been 191 such visits with 120 occurring this past June and July. 

According to the New York State Poison Control Center, in 2010 there were only 20 calls concerning synthetic marijuana poisonings. There were 291 in 2011, and there were already 321 through the first six months of 2012.

Bath Salts are currently sold online, in small convenience stores, smoke shops, and other retail outlets. When consumed, these substances produce dangerous such as hallucinations, paranoia, delusions, suicidal thoughts, and violent behavior as well as chest pains, increased blood pressure, and increased heart rates.

Bath Salts are sold under names including, White Lightning, Snow Leopard, Tranquility, Zoom, Ivory Wave, Red Dove, Vanilla Sky, and others. Synthetic marijuana is sold as Spice, K2, Blaze and Red Dawn X among other names.

On July 9, President Barack Obama signed a law banning bath salts containing mephedrone or another stimulant, MDPV, in the United States.