Smoking

Smoking Credit: Getty Images

Responding to concerns from local and federal pols, New York State on Thursday ordered a ban on the sale of synthetic marijuana.

The so-called fake pot -- which is often referred to by brand names like "Spice," "K2" or "Blaze" -- is smoked just like marijuana and contains cannabis-like chemicals. It can cause anxiety, hallucinations, seizures, paranoia and violent behavior.

State Health Commissioner Nirav Shah said stores must comply immediately with the order.

The substance is already illegal in nine states, and it was recently banned in Suffolk County. In Decemeber, Congress passed a bill prohibiting its sale, but the Senate has yet to approve it.
 

A Newsday review turned up half a dozen instances of unidentified remains found on LI in the early '90s — a period when the admitted serial killer began committing murders. NewsdayTV’s Shari Einhorn hosts a discussion with Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney and Newsday criminal justice reporter Anthony DeStefano.  Credit: Newsday Studios; News12/ Pool. Photo Credit: Newsday/ James Carbone; Suffolk County District Attorney; North Shore High School

'We treat each of these cases individually' A Newsday review turned up half a dozen instances of unidentified remains found on LI in the early '90s — a period when the admitted serial killer began committing murders. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn hosts a discussion with Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney and Newsday criminal justice reporter Anthony DeStefano.

A Newsday review turned up half a dozen instances of unidentified remains found on LI in the early '90s — a period when the admitted serial killer began committing murders. NewsdayTV’s Shari Einhorn hosts a discussion with Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney and Newsday criminal justice reporter Anthony DeStefano.  Credit: Newsday Studios; News12/ Pool. Photo Credit: Newsday/ James Carbone; Suffolk County District Attorney; North Shore High School

'We treat each of these cases individually' A Newsday review turned up half a dozen instances of unidentified remains found on LI in the early '90s — a period when the admitted serial killer began committing murders. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn hosts a discussion with Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney and Newsday criminal justice reporter Anthony DeStefano.

SUBSCRIBE

Unlimited Digital AccessOnly 25¢for 6 months

ACT NOWSALE ENDS SOON | CANCEL ANYTIME