Bath Salts Legal by State 2024

While the term "bath salts" traditionally describes man-made crystals that add scent and smoothness to bath water, "bath salts" is also a street name for a class of dangerous designer drugs known as "synthetic cathinones". When they first appeared on the market, bath salts—which resemble amphetamines and are also known as "plant food" and "monkey dust" among other names—were readily available and legal in most states. However, as governments quickly moved to prohibit them in the name of public health and safety.

Bath Salts are Legal in What States?

As of July 2012, the possession and or sale of bath salts was made illegal at a national level in the United States. As Federal law supersedes state law, bath salts are technically illegal in every state regardless of whether that state has specifically banned them or not.

Side Effects of Bath Salts

In addition to the many concerning side effects of using bath salts, including hallucinations, organ failure, and other serious issues, bath salts can also be deadly. In fact, at the peak of their usage, bath salts became synonymous with drug-related deaths.

Either smoked, swallowed, or taken intravenously, bath salts were popular because of the "high effect" caused by the release of dopamine when consumed.

As with most illicit drugs, bath salts are still illegally manufactured and sold through smoke shops, gas stations, and other gray and black markets. The packages are often labeled as "not marked for human consumption" as part of the ruse to masquerade as legitimate bath salts.

The Consequences

Despite the dangers associated with use of bath salts, in most states, possession or use of bath salts is considered a misdemeanor offense. Those caught and convicted of making or selling bath salts, however, are subject to felony charges. While not eliminating the trade completely, these consequences have effectively slowed the use and manufacture of bath salts.