As of March 31, 2011, synthetic cannabinoids will be illegal in the state of New Hampshire. This “fake pot,” sold under the brand names Spice, K2, Red X Dawn and often labeled as “herbal incense” has been legal in the United States since it was introduced in the early 2000s. Smoking the synthetic drug gives a “legal” marijuana-like high, because of chemicals created to imitate the THC found in natural marijuana.
The US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) met and used its’ emergency scheduling authority on March 1, 2011 to change the law regarding synthetic cannabis. The law passed shortly after, with states having varying dates that the law will go into effect. New Hampshire chose to adopt the law beginning on March 31st. Officer Jennifer Frank, of Plymouth’s University Police Department, wants students to be aware that these substances are now illegal, and therefore will be treated as such. Students found in possession of this synthetic marijuana will be subject to the same penalties that they would if they’d been caught with natural marijuana.
For more information, visit www.justice.gov/dea/pubs/pressrel/pr010111.html.