MONTGOMERY – Legislation passed in the senate today that would add certain chemical compounds of synthetic cannabinoid and other controlled substance analogs (commonly known as “spice”) to schedule 1 of the controlled substances list. Possesion, distribution and trafficking of these substances would become illegal. The legislation will be sent to the house for passage.

The bill, SB208, will outlaw spice and similar products that are often sold in convenience stores, “head” shops and tobacco outlets. These unregulated drugs are not only unhealthy, they are dangerous to Alabamians, according to Senator Arthur Orr, the bill’s sponsor.

“These dangerous substances are being sold over the counter at stores. They are being presented as a safe alternative to marijuana, but the public needs to be aware of the toxic effects, as well as other dangers presented by these drugs,” Orr said. “This bill is necessary to protect Alabamians from these products.”

Governor Robert Bentley has echoed the dangers of these unregulated, over the counter substances.

“Alabamians need to be aware that these goods contain synthetic drugs and other chemicals which are very dangerous to their health,” Bentley said.

The bill will give law enforcement officers the ammunition they need to combat the wave of synthetic drugs by tightening up the law to ban these drugs in their many forms.

“Local Law enforcement attempts to protect the public have been tharted by ever emerging new substances of concern,” Orr said. “Passge of this law will stop the makers of these dangerous substances from developing new formulas that skirt existing bans by shifting the chemical makeup of the substances in order to stay legal.”