A rush is on at local, state and national levels to combat dangerous alternatives for marijuana and methamphetamine, a drug also known as "speed." Fake pot is available at gas stations and snack shops as aromatic incense under the name Spice or K2, while a new type of "bath salts" are sold for getting a speed-like rush –- not a relaxing soak in the tub. Both categories of products are linked to bizarrely aggressive actions and deaths.

A federal clampdown is in the works. Congress is moving to ban 11 stimulants used in "bath salts," as well as synthetic (man-made) substances that affect the body the way marijuana does. Synthetic marijuana usually is dried herbs and spices sprayed with chemicals that create a high when smoked. Specialists say they’re highly addictive and cause side-effects like paranoia, panic attacks and increased heart rates. So-called bath salts have names such as Bliss, White Knight, Vanilla Sky and Stardust. Side effects include depression, suicidal thoughts, impaired perception of reality, agitation, vomiting and chest pain. "These drugs have odd psychotic effects on people," says U.S. Rep. Charlie Dent, R-Pa., sponsor of a pending ban passed by the House last December. Senators voted almost unanimously to approve a similar measure in late May.

State, county and city officials in some area are acting to block sales immediately, rather than awaiting the national ban. In Michigan, where police link Spice to the deaths of two teens and a father’s fatal beating by a teen and his friend, a House committee last week approved legislation intended to outlaw synthetic marijuana substitutes and other designer drugs. Detroit’s mayor banned sales in that city, as did the leaders of two nearby counties. "We've seen the importance of this issue because what’s happening to our youth," said David Domas, an elected commissioner in Livingston County, northwest of Detroit.

Teen says: "Sure, the high is cool for now -- but look at what can happen while you have that high." -- Brianna Harwood of Farmington Hills, Mich., ex-classmate of accused killer

Parent says: "It's Russian roulette -- you can smoke Spice on many occasions and it might be a good or bad experience and you might smoke it one time and die. . . . You have to prevent that in any way you can." -- Larry Smith of Franklin, Mich., whose son died that way May 24

Health official says: "The chemicals in synthetic drugs known as bath salts have no legitimate use and are solely intended for substance abuse." -- Susan Bower, San Diego (Calif.) County Health and Human Services Agency