February 10, 2015
Carson City, NV – Nevada Attorney General Adam Paul Laxalt asked nine oil companies to collaborate with their franchises to help eliminate synthetic drugs from retail locations operating under their brand names, including gas station and convenience stores.
The use of synthetic drugs has increased dramatically over the past four years. In 2010 more than 11,000 people, many of whom were younger than 17, went to the emergency room after using synthetic marijuana. Since then, thousands more have been harmed by synthetic drugs. In 2014, one health department reported a 220% increase in emergency room visits due to the ingestion of synthetic marijuana. Over this same period, enforcement agencies confirmed more than 130 instances of branded gas stations having sold synthetic drugs.
“The rise in the use of synthetic drugs in retail locations is both alarming and dangerous for consumers,” said Laxalt. I am committed to this nationwide initiative, and hope that this collaboration will be the first of many to protect Nevada’s consumers from future harm.”
In a letter co-sponsored by the Illinois and Florida attorneys general, and joined by 43 other attorneys general, Attorney General Laxalt expressed concern over the problem of gas stations and convenience stores operating under brand names of reputable oil companies and selling illegal and extremely dangerous synthetic drugs. Many of these well-known retail locations give the appearance of safety and legitimacy to dangerous synthetic products. Enforcing stronger policies against the sale of synthetic drugs in retail locations can protect the brand reputations of these oil companies while also protecting our youth.
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