Nassau bill targets synthetic marijuana

Nassau County could join Suffolk in banning synthetic marijuana products, with a proposal headed for the legislature.

Minority Democrats filed their bill with the clerk of the Nassau legislature on Friday.

Ed Ward, a spokesman for Presiding Officer Peter Schmitt (R-Massapequa), said County Executive Edward Mangano filed "a very similar" bill last Thursday.

"The presiding officer has ordered a legal review and the cost analysis of enforcement," Ward said. "After that, he will send a proposal to the entire legislature. It could be either bill or some combination of the two."

It's unclear when a proposed ban would come to a vote.

The Suffolk ban, sponsored by Kate Browning (WF-Shirley), passed March 12 and takes effect in about four weeks.

Merrick's David Denenberg, the sponsor of the Nassau Democrats' proposal, said synthetic marijuana is sold at convenience stores, gas stations and online, marketed as potpourri and incense. He said the side effects from taking the products include hallucinations and seizures.

"Because it is being sold legally, people think it is safe," he said.

Sold under such product names as Mr. Nice Guy, K2, Spice and Galaxy Gold, the chemically treated plant products have marijuana-like effects, according to news reports.