Friday, January 3, 2014

2013 - A Year in Review

As 2013 draws to a close and we embark on a New Year, let us take this time to reflect on the events of the past 12 months and look forward to what 2014 holds.

This last year, the Office of Attorney General accomplished a great deal that strengthened the safety and economic security of our communities, helped Rhode Islanders stay in their homes and educated consumers on how to avoid becoming victims of fraud.

We took a major step forward in curbing the rapidly growing use of highly dangerous and unregulated synthetic drugs when the General Assembly passed my legislation making it illegal to manufacture, distribute or possess synthetic cannabinoids and synthetic cathinones in Rhode Island.  Often referred to or marketed as “synthetic pot,” “herbal incense,” “spice” and “bath salts,” these drugs are far more dangerous than their naturally-occurring counterparts. These drugs have been known to cause violent or delirious behavior, high blood pressure, vomiting, and also a number of deadly health complications.