Assemblymember Didi Barrett (D-Washington) announced she helped pass a bill that would add synthetic cannabinoids, the primary chemicals in synthetic marijuana, to the list of controlled substances (A.9855-A). The legislation is in response to a growing problem with synthetic marijuana.

“This synthetic drug is unregulated, untested and filled with unknown substances that can have serious and damaging long-term effects on those who use it,” Assemblymember Barrett said. “What’s worse is that it is geared toward teens, creating a dangerous allure that can have devastating effects.”

Synthetic marijuana is a combination of dried herbs or shredded plant material, typically sprayed with man-made chemicals that mimic THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. The synthetic drug is sold as “herbal incense” under brand names like “K2” or “Spice” and because it is labeled as not safe for humans, it has avoided government regulation in the past. Recently, the New York State Department of Health placed a ban on the sale of synthetic marijuana in an effort to protect more New Yorkers from the damaging effects of these drugs.

The effects of the engineered chemicals are enhanced and can cause agitation, nausea, vomiting, rapid heartbeats, tremors, psychotic episodes, withdrawal, dependence and seizures, among several other adverse health effects.

“Synthetic cannabinoids are just as addictive and detrimental to our health as other controlled substances,” Assemblymember Barrett said. “We should be treating them the same. This legislation provides protections for families from this dangerous, but too accessible substance.”

Assemblymember Barrett noted that in January, two teenage boys were arrested for burglarizing a grocery store in the Town of Pine Plains. They were accused of breaking into the store and stealing incense/synthetic marijuana.

“The burglary in Pine Plains proves that our community is not immune to the risks of these addictive and dangerous man-made substances,” Assemblymember Barrett said. “We need to get it off our streets and keep it out of the reach of our children.”