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Turner: Statewide Ban Of Synthetic Marijuana Must Be Made Law

News & Releases Shirley K. Turner

Substance Was Sold in Lawrence Smoke Shop Recently Raided By Police

TRENTON – Calling action taken by the attorney general to ban synthetic marijuana commendable, State Sen. Shirley K. Turner (D-Mercer) today said she plans to introduce legislation which would impose a statutory ban on chemicals that produce effects similar to marijuana.

“I commend the attorney general for taking action to address the problem of synthetic marijuana, but I also believe it is important that our position be reinforced through state law,” said Senator Turner. “Enacting a statewide statutory ban will ensure there is no ambiguity about the legality of these drugs or the potentially disastrous effects that could result from their use.”

Turner’s proposal comes after a story in The Times of Trenton detailed a police raid of Wonderland Smoke Shop in Lawrence, during which law enforcement seized 50 pounds of synthetic marijuana valued at nearly $150,000. Mercer County was identified in the story as among the top five counties in New Jersey where abuse of synthetic marijuana has been reported.

“With the number of colleges and high schools in close proximity to the smoke shop discovered selling this substance, I am extremely concerned about the number of students who had such ready access to this drug,” said Senator Turner. “We have to ensure that students are aware that this is an illicit substance and recognize its potential to cause seizures, heart attacks and even death. Enacting a statewide ban through legislation will serve to highlight the dangers of this substance and send a message that we are serious about cracking down on those attempting to target minors with designer drugs.”

The federal government last March classified five types of synthetic marijuana as Schedule I Controlled Dangerous Substances. New Jersey began enforcing those guidelines last April, however, drug producers have been able to alter the chemical compounds of the substances to skirt that ruling, according to the report in the Times. Attorney General Jeffrey S. Chiesa today announced the implementation of a broader ban that would add certain chemicals to the list of Schedule I Controlled Dangerous Substances in New Jersey.

At least 39 states have legislatively banned synthetic cannabinoids in some form, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures, much like dozens of states have outlawed substituted cathinones, or bath salts. In past years, legislation has targeted specific versions of the drugs. However, because variations in the chemical makeup of the drugs can create new substances not covered by law, state legislatures have begun focusing on entire classes of substances, according to the NCSL.

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“No matter what name they are using to try to push the sale of this substance, drugs are drugs,” said Turner. “Synthetic marijuana can have the same serious side effects as other illegal drugs, and should be treated as such. Under this measure, dealers will no longer be able to skirt the law and endanger the health and lives of our children.”

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TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senator Shirley K. Turner (D – Mercer, Hunterdon) that would prohibit the manufacture, sale, or possession of synthetic marijuana received final legislative approval today and now heads to the Governor’s desk.

The bill, S1783, would add synthetic or man-made marijuana to the state’s list of Schedule 1 Controlled Dangerous Substances. That would make it subject to the highest level of state control. Manufacturing, distribution, sale, or possession of synthetic marijuana would be a third-degree crime, subject to a fine of up to $25,000 and imprisonment for three to five years.

“We need to keep our laws up to date by ensuring that synthetic drugs being manufactured are added to the list of banned substances,” said Turner. “These drugs are meant to mimic other illegal substances, but they have serious side effects. They have no business being on store shelves where they can be easily accessible to children.”

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TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senator Shirley K. Turner (D – Mercer, Hunterdon) that would prohibit the manufacture, sale, or possession of synthetic marijuana cleared the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee today.

“People are trying to evade the law by creating these new and dangerous substances that have the same effects as other illegal drugs,” said Turner. “Dangerous substances are dangerous substances, no matter what name you give to them. Too many of our young people are falling victim to these drugs and it is time we put a stop to it.”

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