Officials look to enforce ban on synthetic marijuana

Last week, synthetic marijuana was officially banned in New York City, but now local lawmakers are struggling to find a way to enforce the new law. The ban went into effect last Thursday. Official letters

News 12 Staff

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Apr 5, 2012, 2:29 AM

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Updated 4,579 days ago

Last week, synthetic marijuana was officially banned in New York City, but now local lawmakers are struggling to find a way to enforce the new law.

The ban went into effect last Thursday. Official letters will be sent out to stores this week, but legislators say some Bronx stores are still selling the drug.

Experts say that while the product may look like ordinary marijuana, its effects are far more dangerous, ranging from increased heart rate to seizures.

State Sen. Jeffrey Klein says there have been 60 emergency room visits in the last six months associated with synthetic marijuana.

The Department of Health says stores caught selling synthetic marijuana will face fines. Residents who know of any place selling the drug are being asked to call 311.