U.S. moves to outlaw synthetic marijuana like ‘spice’

WASHINGTON — The government is moving to outlaw herbal and chemical blends sold as synthetic marijuana at head shops and on the Internet. The Drug Enforcement Administration has temporarily classified five chemicals used to make fake pot as illegal drugs. The agency says the chemicals mimic THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, and are not approved for human consumption. The government says smokeable plant products coated with these chemicals are increasingly popular among teens and young adults and produce a marijuana-like high. It says products like “Spice,” “K2,” “Blaze,” and “Red X Dawn” are labeled as incense to mask their intended purpose. The ban would put the chemicals in the same category as heroin and cocaine. It would take effect in 30 days and last at least a year.