Assemblyman Edward C. Braunstein (D-Bayside) and Senator Joseph Griffo (R-Rome) announced that Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has signed into law their legislation banning the synthetic drug known as “N-Bomb” (A.627-A/S.738).

N-Bomb, also known as “Smiles,” first surfaced in 2013, accompanied by reports of overdoses throughout the country. This law bans key ingredients contained in the drug that mimic the hallucinogenic effects of LSD. Because this drug is chemically manufactured, its potency varies widely. As such, it is difficult to predict how someone may react to the substance. Some harrowing side effects of N-Bomb include seizures, psychotic episodes, loss of consciousness, and bleeding from the brain.

“Just as our 2011 legislation banning bath salts helped to prevent an epidemic in New York, this law permanently bans these dangerous chemicals before the problem becomes widespread in our State,” said Assemblyman Braunstein. “These dangerous substances are being marketed throughout the country, and the result is the same as bath salts – damaging effects to the user and potentially dangerous consequences for our communities.”

“My district experienced firsthand what can happen when synthetic drugs are able to wreak havoc in our communities, and we now know the aggressive action that was necessary to rein in that widespread crisis,” said Senator Griffo. “Banning the substances contained in N-Bomb will help ensure that we remain proactive in the face of unscrupulous manufacturers who are always looking for new methods to develop alternatives to already-illegal drugs.”

The Drug Enforcement Administration added the chemicals used to manufacture N-Bomb to its permanent list of controlled substances as a Schedule I drug on November 15, 2013. This law adds these chemicals to the state’s banned substances list.