Police Warn of Dangers of Synthetic Marijuana

Officials are warning individuals and local businesses that if they're caught violating new state laws prohibiting the possession or sale of synthetic marijuana they could face fines of up to $25,000 and three to five years in prison.

These illicit substances typically sold at convenience stores and small retail locations under brand names of “K2” “K3” “Spice” “Kush” “Down 2 Earth” “Comatose Candy” have come under fire for causing side effects including convulsions, anxiety attacks, dangerously elevated heart rates, increased blood pressure, vomiting, agitation, confusion and hallucinations, Wyckoff Police Chief Benjamin Fox said.

As of February 29, it is illegal to distribute, sell or possess any and all kinds of synthetic marijuana, Fox said.

"Anyone charged faces a crime of the 3rd degree with fines up to $25,000 and three to five years of imprisonment," said Fox. "The Wyckoff Police Department Detective Bureau has contacted every store in the community that might have this product for sale. Thankfully, no businesses were offering the products and they were advised of the new law prohibiting the sale or possession."

He warned parents to keep their eyes peeled as there are still a number of ways their children could get the synthetic drug.

Fox asked that anyone with any information about any business or individual selling synthetic marijuana contact police at 201-891-2121.

Last month the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs issued an emergency order that banned the substances across the state, according to a story on NJ.com.

"The ban comes in the wake of increased usage of synthetic pot among children and young people under 25 years old, which included a 700% spike in reporting to New Jersey’s poison control centers last year alone. The drug can cause seizures and hallucinations, and caused the deaths of five youths nationwide last year," read the NJ.com report.

New York also banned the substances earlier this year.