County to Rid Stores of Synthetic Marijuana

Stores that carry synthetic marijuana may be visited by county authorities and asked to give up their stock of the recently banned substance before a new law making it illegal kicks in, according to a statement from the county.

The Monmouth County Department of Consumer Affairs is joining other counties and the state in an effort to educate retailers about the new law, which goes into effect March 10. The department's staff will be visiting stores encouraging owners to give up their stock of synthetic marijuana before it becomes illegal, according to a county release.

“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,” said Annmarie Howley, county consumer affairs director, in the release.

Synthetic marijuana is usually sold in small packets of about 500 milligrams to 3 grams, with brand names such as and 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,” according to the release.

Synthetic marijuana will be an illegal substance in New Jersey as of March 10, making the possession, manufacture, distribution or sale of the substance subject to a fine of up to $25,000 and a prison term of up to five years, the release said.

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 release said.

For more on the state Division of Consumer Affairs’ initiative to stop the use of synthetic marijuana and other designer drugs, see www.NJConsumerAffairs.gov/designer.