Gov. Snyder Signs Statewide Spice Ban, Effective July 1

Gov. Rick Snyder signed a package of bills Tuesday afternoon that ban the sale of synthetic marijuana in Michigan.

The four bills signed into law not only ban the sale of K2, Spice and other synthetic drugs, including "bath salts," in Michigan stores, but also make it illegal for anyone to carry the substances. The new laws will go into effect July 1.

Under one of the bills, which went into effect immediately, the director of the Michigan Department of Community Health will be able to ban any substance considered to be an immediate threat to public health after consulting with the Michigan Board of Pharmacy. This allows health officials to react more quickly to the changing formulas of synthetic drugs.

The sale of K2 has already been banned in Macomb County, with County Executive Mark Hackel and Macomb County Health and Community Services Director Steve Gold signing  June 4 stating businesses caught selling K2, or any other synthetic drug risk a misdemeanor charge punishable by up to six months in jail or a $200 fine.

Until the state ban goes into effect, the Macomb County Sheriff's Office will continue using the county order to police the sale and use of K2 in Macomb.

Macomb Township has not passed its own ban of the substance to date, but trustees have said they would consider a township-specific ordinance following a review of the state law.

Anyone with a tip that a business may still be selling K2 or Spice is asked to call 855-Mich-Tip.

For more information on K2, its origin and effects, visit  page.