In an attempt to find out how prevalent the use of the hallucinogenic chemicals is in Maryland, authorities from state’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene have initiated a month-long probe which could lead to state-wide ban on the sale or possession of synthetic stimulant drugs which are being marketed as ‘bath salts.’

For ascertaining how widespread the use of ‘bath salts’ is in Maryland, the officials will seek assistance from enhanced screenings at emergency rooms and the state's poison control center.

The investigation by the health officials will be followed by a decision on whether to add the hallucinogenic chemicals to Maryland’s list of "Schedule 1" controlled dangerous substances.

Incidentally, the ‘bath salts’ – the active compounds of which include methylenedioxypyrovalerone, or MDPV, and 4-methylmethcathinone, or mephedrone - were banned by the Virginia lawmakers earlier this year.

Noting that ‘bath salts’ can be swallowed, sniffed, smoked and injected, and can have a psychedelic effect on the user, Dr. Tom Cargiulo - director of the Maryland Alcohol and Drug Abuse Administration – said: “This is something that's been a big problem throughout the country. We're trying to get ahead of the curve and make sure it doesn't become a big problem here in Maryland.”

Further elaborating that the synthetic stimulant drugs are not readily available in the state, Cargiulo said that generally these drugs are being sold over the Internet, as well as in small shops and gas stations.