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.
