CARSON CITY - Nevada has banned synthetic drugs known by the street name "bath salts," with the Nevada Board of Pharmacy issuing an emergency order prohibiting them from being made, sold, purchased or consumed in the state, the Las Vegas Review Journal reports.

The ruling classified the substances as "schedule 1 drugs," an emergency determination that is valid for 120 days. In the interim, Nevada€™s Legislative Commission will address the issue next month.

The Pharmacy Board€™s list includes more than 140 illegal drugs, chemicals, or chemical compounds used in the manufacture of synthetic drugs.

The synthetic drugs have been shown to induce hallucinations and lead to psychotic episodes, mimicking the effects of crystal methamphetamine, LS, ecstasy or cocaine, according to Metropolitan Police Department Detective Bruce Gentner, head of the Nevada Narcotics Officers Association.

The state board and the DEA maintain these synthetic drugs have no acceptable use under medical supervision. Currently, they are sold in packets with names such as Vanilla Sky for $20 to $30.

Dane Claussen, executive director of the Nevada branch of the American Civil Liberties Union, predicted that the ban would lead to failed prosecutions. "This is going to make a mess of the criminal justice system," he said.

Indeed, David Gouldthorpe, a crime lab chemist with Las Vegas police said once a chemical or compound is banned, chemists who make the drugs can change a single molecule to effectively change the drug but not its effects on the user.

At the federal level, NACS Daily reported earlier this month that House-passed legislation to prohibit the sale of synthetic marijuana and other drugs known as "bath salts" and "plant food" has been delayed indefinitely in the Senate.