Thu., Dec. 30, 2010

Pharmacy board bans synthetic pot

Dried leaves are visible in containers of incense not intended for human consumption at Enhale Smoke Shop in Tucson, Ariz., on Dec. 14, 2010. Federal authorities are planning to ban some of the chemicals found in a legal substance that they say, when smoked, gives a high similar to marijuana's but is potentially more dangerous. (Greg Bryan / (AP Photo/Arizona Daily Star, Greg Bryan))

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — The Washington state pharmacy board has voted to adopt a rule that would ban the sale and possession of synthetic marijuana.

The board's emergency rule would mirror new Federal Drug Enforcement Administration rules banning five chemicals used to make synthetic marijuana. The federal ban went into effect Dec. 24 and will last at least a year while officials consider a permanent ban. The state rule won't go into effect until next month.

Synthetic marijuana is sold in smoke shops as incense but health officials say it is an intoxicant when burned and inhaled. It is sold under names like K-2, Spice and Black Mamba.

State officials say a state rule is a more effective tool for law enforcement than the federal ban.

Posted Dec. 30, 2010, 4:30 p.m.