Ohio lawmaker pushes ban on sale or possession of synthetic marijuana

Associated Press

DAYTON

A state lawmaker is pushing legislation to outlaw the sale or possession of a type of synthetic marijuana in Ohio.

State Rep. Margaret Ruhl is a lead sponsor of a bill that would classify the synthetic substance now legally sold in convenience stores, smoke stores and other businesses under names such as “Spice” or “K2” as a Schedule I controlled substance.

New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania are considering similar legislation, and at least 10 other states already outlaw the synthetic blend of chemically treated, smokable leaves, the Dayton Daily News reported Tuesday.

Ruhl, a Republican from Mount Vernon, says Spice has made some high school students from her area and many others ill.