The Nation - News from Sept. 19, 1985

Blasting new “designer drugs” as deadly, high-tech cousins of heroin and cocaine, senators expressed strong support for legislation outlawing their production and sale. Even the “designer” label, which refers to the ability of chemists to manipulate illegal drugs into legal derivatives giving similar narcotic effects, was roundly criticized as a lure to young Americans. “I would hope that this highly erroneous and misleading term will be dropped, as it gives a false impression of something desirable and trendy . . . ,” said Sen. Paula Hawkins (R-Fla.)