Sandoval signs regulation banning designer drugs

(AP) - Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval has signed an emergency regulation to outlaw the sometimes deadly designer drugs known as "bath salts."

The regulation approved earlier this month by a panel of state lawmakers and the state Board of Pharmacy makes the drugs a controlled substance and prohibits sale or possession.

Sandoval signed the measure on Wednesday.

Bath salts can cause heart palpitations, disorientation, extreme paranoia and violence. Some deaths have also been reported.

The drugs are found in smoke shops under names such as Vanilla Sky, Purple Wave and White Lightning. Users typically snort or smoke the substance.

The regulation doesn't ban the kinds of bath salts added to tubs for their fragrance and cosmetic benefits.