Drugs in synthetic marijuana now on controlled substances list

BALTIMORE

As the use of synthetic drugs seems to grow across the nation, police are reminding people that a federal law recently went into effect that adds several synthetic drugs to the Food and Drug Administration's list of controlled substances.

Officials said 26 drugs commonly found in synthetic marijuana products, such as K2, K3, spice, genie and bath salts, are now being controlled under the Controlled Substances Act. These substances are considered to have a high potential for abuse.

The new law also creates a new definition for "cannabamimetic agents," meaning it will create criteria by which similar chemical compounds are controlled.

Synthetic marijuana, which has been around since 2002, has become increasingly popular in the past few years and is often marketed throughout the U.S. as an herbal incense or potpourri. Warnings say the product isn't for human consumption, but many young people aren't taking it seriously, health officials said.

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, the American Association of Poison Control Centers received 6,959 calls for synthetic marijuana incidents in 2011.

Those who manufacture, sell or use synthetic drugs will be subject to the same penalties as other schedule I drugs, such as cocaine and marijuana. Penalties include up to four years in prison and/or a $25,000 fine for possession and up to 20 years in prison for distribution or intent to distribute.

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Drugs in synthetic marijuana now on controlled substances list