HARRISBURG — Gov. Tom Corbett on Thursday signed legislation to outlaw “bath salts” and certain other synthetic drugs in Pennsylvania, calling them a danger to society.

“If left unchecked, synthetic drugs could have developed into the most dangerous drug crisis since methamphetamine labs found their way into our state,” said the Republican governor, who was flanked by legislative supporters of the bill and a group of uniformed police officers as he signed the measure at a Capitol ceremony.

Corbett noted that the bill does not take effect for 60 days and urged retailers to suspend sales immediately.

“I am asking merchants who sell these chemicals today to stop voluntarily, before more people are hurt,” he said.