Connecticut Nearing a Ban on Powdered Alcohol

On, Monday, the Connecticut state House of Representative voted to ban the sale of powdered alcohol, reports the Hartford Courant.

The bill passed by a margin of 143-2 with six members absent. The state Senate has already passed the bill so it will now go to Gov. Dannel P. Malloy to be signed.

In March, the federal government approved the sale of powdered alcohol, which comes in small packets and can be added to water to make an alcoholic drink. Many states, including Vermont, South Carolina, Alaska, Delaware, Louisiana, Utah, and Virginia, have already banned the powdered alcohol.

This substance has become popular with teenagers and there are several concerns about it. One is that since it comes in small packets, it can easily be brought into schools, concerts, or other places without being seen. Another concern is that some people may snort the powder, causing an array of health issues.

“We need to stop the proliferation this product at the Connecticut border before it even starts. Our kids do not need to be exposed to another specialty alcohol craze,” State Rep. Pam Staneski (Milford and Orange) said in a prepared statement Monday. “As with anything “new,” this product may be attractive to our young people similar to past incarnations of vaporized alcohol, whipped cream alcohol, and caffeinated alcohol. While the form of alcohol might change, the issues remain the same.”

For more on this issue, check out Courant.com.