Synthetic Marijuana Products Outlawed in Missouri

A blend of herbs sold under the brand name K2 and thought to produce psychoactive effects similar to marijuana has been banned in Missouri, St. Louis Today reported July 6.

Gov. Jay Nixon signed a bill into law this week that criminalizes K2 by prohibiting the synthetic compounds that are sprayed on the herbs to produce a high similar to smoking marijuana. Nixon said that children have been increasingly using K2.

Kansas, Alabama, Kentucky, and Arkansas also have banned K2. The Missouri measure makes possession of 35 grams or less of K2 punishable by up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine; offenders could face seven years in jail for possessing larger amounts.