This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
A proposed state-wide ban of synthetic cannabinoids continued to cruise through the Legislature on Monday, earning a favorable recommendation from the Senate Health and Human Services Committee.
HB23 would ban the sale, possession and distribution of synthetic cannabinoids, chemicals created in laboratories that can mimic the effects of marijuana. The chemicals are sprayed on herbs and sold as incense under brand names like Spice, K2 and Black Mamba.
The bill would add 15 synthetic cannabinoids to a controlled-substance list, said Paul Boyden of the Statewide Association of Prosecutors. More compounds could then easily be added as they show up on the streets. "Now that we have the system figured out, it's not a particularly big deal to update [the list] with new chemicals that come online," he said.
The bill now moves to the Senate for floor debate.
Katie Drake