House sends bill banning fake cocaine, fake pot to Gov. Nixon

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Intro:	Missouri's governor is the final step for a bill that bans so-called bath salts and fake pot.
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Wrap: The measure would get two synthetic drugs -- K-3 and bath salts -- off the market.

It passed the House with 90 percent support.

West Plains Republican Ward Franz talks about what bath salts did to one man.

Actuality:	FRANZ2.WAV
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Description: "He didn't show up for work. He didn't show up to pick up his kids. They found him barricaded in his garage because he was hallucinating and hearing voices."

Franz says sellers are getting around the law by labeling bath salts as not for human consumption.

It's not the first time state lawmakers have done battle with these drugs.

They banned another form of fake pot, called K-2, last year.

The bill's next stop is Gov. Nixon's desk.

From the state Capitol, I'm Theo Keith, NewsRadio 1120 KMOX.

Intro:	Missouri's House is sending a bill banning bath salts and fake pot onto Gov. Jay Nixon.
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Wrap: About 90 percent of the House signed off.

The bill makes it a crime to sell or use so-called "bath salts" and "K-3," a form of synthetic marijuana.

West Plains Republican Ward Franz says the drugs are harmful, but sellers continue to get around the law.

Actuality:	FRANZ.WAV
Run Time:	00:09
Description: "If you sell something for the purpose of not for human consumption and you put a label on it, it's legal to sell in the state of Missouri."

Franz's bill is a follow-up of sorts.

Missouri lawmakers banned another form of fake pot, called K-2, last year.

This year's ban awaits a final decision from Gov. Nixon.

From the state Capitol, I'm Theo Keith, NewsRadio 1120 KMOX.

Intro:	Missouri's legislature has passed to the governor a ban on fake pot, a year after doing nearly the same thing.
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OutCue:	SOC

Wrap: Last year, Missouri banned a form of fake pot called "K-2."

Producers responded with "K-3."

The bill to ban that and so-called "bath salts" passed with 90 percent support in the House.

But St. Louis Democrat Mike Colona says the effects of bath salts and K-3 are much different.

Actuality:	COLONA.WAV
Run Time:	00:11
Description: "If you talk to law enforcement, there are two different issues. One leads to neurosis, uncontrollable activities. The other puts you to sleep."

Colona says the bill would hurt businesses that also sell legal drugs.

Gov. Jay Nixon's signature is all it needs to become law.

From the state Capitol, I'm Theo Keith, NewsRadio 1120 KMOX.