Synthetic marijuana is a lab-created herbal mixture that is fast gaining popularity among young people in New Jersey. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, synthetic marijuana is the second-most popular drug used by high school students in the United States.
Synthetic marijuana is similar to marijuana in that it reproduces the “high” of marijuana’s main component, THC. Synthetic marijuana is typically sold in packets containing plant and chemical compounds. The drug is smoked exactly like marijuana. However, the effects of synthetic marijuana are much more severe than the effects of standard marijuana.
Synthetic marijuana use can have serious side effects, including hallucinations, seizures, and convulsions. Synthetic marijuana can also cause long-term addiction.
It used to be easy to find synthetic marijuana available for purchase in gas stations or over the Internet. However, these days, many states have passed laws against synthetic marijuana and other drugs of its kind. New Jersey is among the states to outlaw synthetic marijuana.
The penalties for possession of synthetic marijuana in New Jersey are laid out in N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10.3a, while the penalties for distribution of synthetic marijuana are addressed by N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5.3a. The punishments for possession and/or distribution of synthetic marijuana can vary, depending on the quantity of drugs involved. If a person is convicted of second degree distribution of synthetic marijuana, he or she could be sentenced to as many as ten (10) years in state prison.
Legislators across the country are cracking down on synthetic marijuana use by imposing harsh penalties. Anyone who has been charged with possession of synthetic marijuana should not wait to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney.