U.S. bans fake marijuana - Action News
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U.S. bans fake marijuana

The U.S. government is moving to outlaw herbal and chemical blends sold as synthetic marijuana at head shops and on the internet.

The U.S. government is moving to outlaw herbal and chemical blends sold as synthetic marijuana at head shops and on the internet.

A package of K2, a concoction of dried herbs sprayed with chemicals. The U.S. moved Wednesday to ban all forms of synthetic marijuana. ((Kelley McCall/Associated Press))

The country's Drug Enforcement Administration has temporarily classified five chemicals used to make fake pot as illegal drugs. The agency says the chemicals mimic THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, and are not approved for human consumption.

The government says smokeable plant products coated with these chemicals are increasingly popular among teens and young adults and produce a marijuana-like high. It says products like "Spice," "K2," "Blaze" and "Red X Dawn" are labelled as incense to mask their intended purpose.

The ban would put the chemicals in the same category as heroin and cocaine. It would take effect in 30 days and last at least a year.

In Canada, synthetic marijuana is considered a controlled substance.