Drug Czar issues bath salt warning

White House Drug Czar Gil Kerlikowske is warning people against taking the newest synthetic drugs, often marketed as "bath salts" and being sold legally on the Internet and in drug paraphernalia stores.

The drugs are sold under brand names like "Purple Wave" and "Ivory Wave." The powdered drug can produce a high similar to cocaine, LSD or ecstasy when smoked, injected or snorted. But Kerlikowske says synthetic stimulants in the powders have sickened hundreds already this year.

Kerlikowske says these stimulants can cause chest pains, increased blood pressure and heart rate, agitation, hallucinations, extreme paranoia and delusions. He met with federal drug and health officials at the White House Tuesday to discuss their growing popularity.

The chemicals are not federally regulated; some states are considering bans.