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Home » DEA Moves to Control Chemicals Used for Synthetic Marijuana

DEA Moves to Control Chemicals Used for Synthetic Marijuana

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) - using its emergency scheduling authority - has begun the process to classify five chemicals used to make synthetic marijuana as controlled substances.

Use of synthetic marijuana, commonly called K2, Spice, and Blaze, has become increasingly popular among teens in the last few years. They are commonly sold in retail shops and over the internet.

Since 2009, DEA has received reports of serious adverse events and hospitalizations occurring in people using these products. The action will make the possession or sale of these chemicals illegal for at least a year while the DEA and the Department of Health and Human Services study whether these chemicals and products should be permanently controlled.

"At a time when youth drug use in America is on the rise, it is critical that parents act today to talk to young people about the harms of drug use, including synthetic marijuana products like Spice and K2 that are marketed as 'incense,'" said Gil Kerlikowske, director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy.

Read the full DEA Press Release.