Vermont Expands List of Banned Drug Chemicals

Vermont is roughly doubling — to about 170 — the number of chemicals it is banning as ingredients in so-called designer drugs.

That word came Thursday as dozens of state and federal law enforcement officials gathered at the Statehouse to strategize in a war on drugs that has expanded to substances called bath salts and spice.

Governor Peter Shumlin addressed the group and vowed the full support of his office as police around Vermont visit head shops and convenience stores where a wide range of the products are sold.

State Health Department officials say they're trying to stay ahead of manufacturers who sometimes change a single chemical in a drug to get if off a banned list.

They say new rules banning drug analogs and derivatives may help.

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