For Immediate Release:

March 1, 2012

 

Task force to check stores for synthetic marijuana

Consumer Affairs to inspect local shops for removal of illegal substances

 

FREEHOLD, NJ – Monmouth County Department of Consumer Affairs is joining other counties and the state in the effort to educate retailers about a new law that makes it a crime to manufacture, distribute, sell or possess synthetic marijuana.

 

“The county Consumer Affairs staff will be visiting retail establishments in Monmouth County to inform them of this new law and to encourage management to turn in all packages of synthetic marijuana to their local or state police immediately,” county Consumer Affairs Director Annmarie Howley said. “We want our local retailers to have the opportunity to surrender any existing packets to local law enforcement by 11:59 p.m. on March 9.”

 

Synthetic marijuana is usually sold in small packets of about 500 milligrams to 3 grams, with brand names such as “K2,” “K3,” “Spice,” “Kush,” “Down 2 Earth” and many others. The packets often contain a mixture of herbs and plant materials that have been coated with chemical agents that affect the brain. The products are often labeled as “incense” or “potpourri.”

 

As of March 10, 2012, synthetic marijuana will be an illegal substance in New Jersey and the possession, manufacture, distribution or sale of the substance will be subject to a fine of up to $25,000 and three to five years imprisonment.

 

Packets of synthetic marijuana and other suspected designer drugs have been sold at gasoline stations, boardwalk novelty shops and other locations across New Jersey. The packages often bear labels claiming the contents are not covered by any existing federal or state ban, creating the impression that they can be sold legally.

 

For more information, contact Monmouth County Consumer Affairs at 732-431-7900. Additional information about consumer affairs can be found on the county website at www.visitmonmouth.com.

The office is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

 

For much more information on the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs’ initiative to stop the use of synthetic marijuana and other designer drugs, view the Division’s website at www.NJConsumerAffairs.gov/designer.

 

Synthetic marijuana consists of chemicals that mimic the effects of THC (tetrahydocannabianol), the prime ingredient in marijuana. Synthetic marijuana has reportedly caused side effects including convulsions, anxiety attacks, dangerously elevated heart rates, increased blood pressure, vomiting, agitations, confusion and hallucinations.

 

The Monmouth County Department of Consumer Affairs is a law enforcement agency, created and funded by the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders. It protects against consumer fraud and dishonest and unscrupulous business practices by enforcing the state Consumer Fraud Act and other regulations.

 

“The county’s Consumer Affairs office enforces consumer laws and helps people whether violations are present or not,” said Freeholder Lillian G. Burry, liaison to the department. “In 2011 the department mediated 615 complaints and recovered more than $330,000 for consumers. This is one of the many important ways the county is able to assist residents.”

 

Mediation includes letters, telephone calls, e-mails, faxes and informal conferences with businesses. If a business is uncooperative and does not appear as scheduled, the department has the authority to subpoena, a function coordinated with the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office.

 

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