A new state law banning synthetic marijuana has Fairbanks police taking action. The law making synthetic canabinoids, which sell under brands names like Spice and K2, went into effect July 1. Fairbanks Police Chief Laren Zager says the law makes synthetic pot a controlled substance with possible sentences ranging from misdemeanor to felony.
Chief Zager says the law is warranted given criminal cases that have involved people under the influence of synthetic pot products, but acknowledges there will be a learning curve as police and prosecutors interpret the synthetic pot law in light of the legality of possession of small amounts, of real marijuana in Alaska.
Zager says police are coordinating with prosecutors and the state crime lab to enforce the new law. He says police know of only a few sellers of synthetic canabinoids in Fairbanks. Several other states have adopted similar laws.
Dan Bross is a reporter at KUAC in Fairbanks.
