The Idaho Board of Pharmacy on Thursday temporarily banned seven chemicals used to make incense that some people smoke to get a marijuana-like high.
The temporary ban, which puts the chemicals into the same category as heroin, cocaine and other illicit drugs, won’t go into effect unless it is signed by Gov. Butch Otter. A spokesman says the governor is likely to sign the temporary ban.
If signed, it will mean that stores can’t sell the substance often called “Spice,” which is made up of various herbs that have been coated with chemicals similar to a synthetic form of the psychoactive substance in marijuana.
The ban would last until the next legislative session ends – giving lawmakers a chance to decide whether they want to make a law permanently banning the substance.
The board was urged to take this step at the request of the governor and the Office of Drug Policy.
The Idaho State Police also asked for the ban, saying that the substance posed a public health risk.
Sharon Burke, program manager for the Office of Drug Policy, said emergency rooms around the state reported that people have suffered seizures, loss of consciousness, vomiting and other problems after using the substance.
Burke said 13 states have banned Spice and a handful of others are looking at possible bans. (AP)
