TRENTON — Gov. Chris Christie signed legislation today to criminalize the manufacture, sale and possession of synthetic marijuana.
“Synthetic marijuana is ubiquitous and poses dangerous side effects,” said state Sen. Christopher “Kip” Bateman (R-Somerset, Hunterdon, Mercer and Middlesex), a sponsor of the legislation. “Fake pot can cause violent seizures, elevated heart rates and death.”
Under this bipartisan law, formerly S-1783 Scs, it is a second-degree crime to produce or sell one or more ounces of synthetic marijuana and it is a third-degree crime to produce or sell less than an ounce. This measure also establishes third- and fourth-degree crimes for possession of synthetic marijuana.
“Distributers of fake pot attempt to evade law enforcement agents by selling in neighborhood shops or online sold varieties such as ‘Spice,’ ‘K2,’ or ‘Blaze’ as incense or potpourri,” Bateman added. “They now face the most severe penalties under New Jersey’s controlled dangerous substance law.”
