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Local Health Official Applauds Ban Of 'Spice'

Story Published: Mar 29, 2012 at 12:54 PM EDT

Story Updated: Mar 29, 2012 at 12:54 PM EDT

Local health officials are applauding New York for banning the sale of "synthetic marijuana" that's sold in convenience stores, smoke shops, and tobacco stores under brand names including "Spice", "K2" and "Mr. Nice Guy".
   
The products, which produce a high when smoked, have been linked to severe adverse reactions, including death and acute renal failure.

Steve Jennings of Jefferson County Public Health appeared on 7 News at Noon Thursday.

He said the products are extremely dangerous and have been known to cause paranoid behavior, agitation, nausea and other symptoms.
   
He explained the plant material in the products is coated with chemicals that mimic THC, the active ingredient in marijuana.

However, Jennings said "Spice" is nothing like marijuana.
   
The state order issued Thursday calls for sales and distribution to stop immediately.

Local health officials are being ordered to check for compliance.
   
Violators can face civil penalties.

Click on the picture above to watch Jenning's interview.
Friday, May 24, 2013
, Watertown, NY

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