One month from today, the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs will hold a public hearing to take testimony on a plan to make permanent the state's comprehensive ban on synthetic marijuana, commonly known as "K2 or Spice."

We struck an important first blow by enacting a temporary ban that, for the first time, outlawed every possible variant of synthetic marijuana,” Attorney General Chiesa said. “Now we are taking the steps needed to make the ban permanent, and a public hearing is a vital part of that process."

In February, New Jersey became the fourth state in the nation to enact a sweeping ban that covers all known and unknown variants of synthetic marijuana – a term that includes hundreds of dangerous, manmade chemicals that are designed to mimic marijuana’s effect on the brain.

Packets of synthetic marijuana and other suspected designer drugs have been sold at gas stations, boardwalk novelty shops, and other locations across New Jersey.  The packages often bear labels claiming the contents are not covered by any existing federal or state ban, creating the impression that they can be sold legally.   

Under New Jersey’s Controlled Dangerous Substances Act, the Order of the Consumer Affairs Director will remain in effect for 270 days, or until a permanent regulation is adopted.

The public hearing will begin at 10 a.m., Thursday, May 10th, in the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs headquarters, Monmouth Conference Room, 7th Floor, 124 Halsey Street, Newark.

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