New York State Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr., (I, D, WF-Sag Harbor) announced that the Assembly passed legislation (A.1451-A) he helped pass that bans the sale and possession of “man-made marijuana” (synthetic cannabinoid compounds), making possession with intent to sell punishable by up to two and a half years in prison.

“Teenagers and young adults are increasingly using synthetic marijuana to get high, in some cases without knowing the danger,” Thiele said. “The Assembly’s legislation makes these substances illegal and cracks down on its distribution.”

Synthetic marijuana – also known as Spice or K2 – is any substance with features and effects similar to those in Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the main compound found in marijuana. Synthetic marijuana is often sold as herbal incense and labeled not for human consumption, allowing manufacturers to avoid government regulation.¹

“You can walk into many head shops and convenience stores, or shop on the Internet, and find synthetic marijuana available for purchase,” Thiele said. “That makes it a drug of choice for many teens. Unfortunately, the use of synthetic marijuana can have serious and fatal consequences, so it’s important to keep them out of the hands of our young people.”

Synthetic substances are chemically manufactured in laboratories where the effects of marijuana are enhanced, resulting in a dangerous and addictive drug. Using these drugs produces symptoms such as hallucinations, paranoia, rapid heart beats, high blood pressure, violent behavior and death. Other physical signs of use include increased agitation, pale skin, seizures, vomiting, profuse sweating and uncontrolled body movements.

Although the New York State Department of Health placed a ban on the sale of synthetic marijuana, Thiele believes a State law is the most effective way to protect more New Yorkers from the damaging effects of these drugs.

1. www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/ondcp/Blog/synthetic_marijuana.pdf