NYC Criminalizes Synthetic Marijuana [VIDEO]

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has signed three bills that criminalize the possession and sale of so-called synthetic marijuana. Gothamist reports:



Selling or manufacturing the drug was previously only considered a health code violation, carrying a $250 fine; when the new laws go into effect in 60 days, offenders will punishable by up to $5,000 in fines and a year in prison. “Let’s be clear: K2 is a poison,” de Blasio said prior to signing the bills. “It is a poison that threatens public safety and public health, and it’s taken a toll on too many New Yorkers in too many communities already. It’s something we haven’t seen the likes of in the past, and it was crucial before this trend got any worse to act decisively.” Sold in bodegas under the loose disguise of potpourri, K2 is an addictive substance made by spraying plant leaves with chemicals imported from China, which is the only known source, according to NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton.