Warrenton aldermen Tuesday night outlawed "bath salts" and fake marijuana, becoming the third local municipality to do so. Two ordinances unanimously approved by aldermen make it against the law to sell, possess or use products commonly known as Spice or K-2 or similar drugs as well as any product containing methylenedioxypryovalerone. The popularity with synthetic drugs, such as "bath salts" and fake pot, has grown statewide and nationally as users have been able to avoid detection by federal regulators and law enforcement officials. Both are being sold legally at convenience stores, head shops or on the Internet. The "bath salts" drug can be smoked, snorted or injected and has effects similar to methamphetamine, PCP and other drugs. The fake pot includes chemicals that provide a marijuana-like high when smoked. Police Chief Greg Houdyshell had recommended at the previous board of aldermen meeting on May 17 that the city move forward with an ordinance that would ban the synthetic drugs. He was directed by Mayor Greg Costello at the May 3 meeting to look into whether the city should pass an ordinance regulating the latest imitation drugs following similar bans by Wright City and Truesdale. In a survey of retail shops in the city, Houdyshell found no businesses were selling "bath salts" or synthetic marijuana. He noted that the general consensus from business owners was that they had no desire to sell the drugs in the future. So far, Houdyshell said his officers have reported only one incident apiece involving "bath salts" and fake marijuana where suspects were believed to be under the influence of the drugs. A person found guilty of violating the city's drug ban can be subject to a maximum fine of $500 and/or up to 90 days in jail. In March, Truesdale became the first local municipality to pass an ordinance banning "bath salts." A month later, Wright City put similar regulations in place, as have Washington, Troy and St. Charles County. State lawmakers last month passed legislation outlawing "bath salts" and expanded the ban on synthetic marijuana. The bill is awaiting final approval from Gov. Jay Nixon. Last year, state lawmakers outlawed K-2, but drug users created another form of the drug with a different formula to skirt around the law.