MOVING TARGET: Two years ago, state lawmakers made synthetic marijuana illegal. It made a difference for a while, as the number of incidents involving products marketed as K2, bath salts Spice and incense dropped off sharply. But state officials now report that companies who makes this bad stuff have developed new products that deliver the same effects but differ chemically. These producers are taking advantage of slow federal and state processes currently in place, and Iowa officials are backing legislation that would speed their ability to declare a substance as hazardous and illegal.

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TANNING BEDS TARGETED: Is using a tanning bed as potentially dangerous and addictive to teenagers as alcohol, tobacco and drugs? Well, backers of a bill considered by an Iowa Senate committee are convinced it is. They want to ban use of tanning beds in any facility by anyone under age 18. We don’t think excessive tanning indoors or out is a good idea. But shouldn’t parental guidance and health education be sufficient without needing yet another state law? Or, at least follow the example of an existing Iowa law that requires parental consent for a minor to get a tattoo in a licensed facility.

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