Washington
(CNN) -- The U.S.
government moved on Friday to essentially prohibit the sale or distribution of
three synthetic forms of marijuana, also known as "fake pot."
The Drug
Enforcement Administration (DEA) issued a legal notice classifying the
substances as Schedule 1 drugs. It said they are popular on the street and
represent a serious public health issue.
The
Justice Department, working with federal health officials, has determined the
substances, with street names like Spice and K2, have resulted in many visits
to emergency rooms or calls to poison control centers.
The most
common reactions are vomiting, anxiety, hallucinations, seizures, high blood
pressure, or loss of consciousness, the DEA said.
Officials
say nearly all the synthetic marijuana mixtures are imported from Asia — mostly
China and India. Five other forms of
"fake pot" were banned two years ago, authorities said.
The posting
of the notice on Friday means the prohibition can take effect within 30 days.
Source: www.cnn.com
