A statewide ban on the sale and possession of synthetic drugs is set to take effect Monday after Democratic Gov. Maggie Hassan signs it into law.
The ban is one piece of a broader effort to combat the state's growing drug abuse problems. Reactions to synthetic drugs such as "spice" can be unpredictable. Hassan declared a state of emergency last summer after 40 Manchester residents had serious reactions to synthetic cannabinoid.
Businesses caught selling the drugs risk losing their licenses to sell food, liquor or lottery tickets and will be fined. People caught selling or possessing the drugs can be fined $500 a day.
The bill also requires the Governor's Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention, Treatment and Recovery to recommend public education and awareness policies.
