Bath salts banned in New York State

NEW YORK -- New York has joined the ranks of states banning bath salts and other synthetic drugs. 

State officials say this change is coming after a dangerous rise in users over the past year.

Upstate New York hospitals report five times as many emergency room visits this year compared to last year.

Federal law bans the manufacturing or sale of many of these drugs, but now New York State Officials can go after suspects.

“Because this wasn't sold in a back alley, this wasn't sold on a street corner, this isn't sold in the shadows, this is sold in the broad daylight over the counter in stores all across the state and all across this nation,” said New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

State officials hope this will put an end to distribution.