Governor Cuomo Launches New Campaign to Stop Sales and Use of Synthetic Marijuana
Click Here to View the Synthetic Marijuana Prevention Ad
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced a new public awareness campaign
encouraging New Yorkers to report the illegal sales of synthetic drugs,
commonly referred to as synthetic marijuana. The campaign consists of
ads that warn New Yorkers about the dangers associated with use of these
man-made drugs and inform those who suffer from addiction that help is
available.
"By any name, these synthetic drugs are a danger to public health
and a threat to the safety of all New Yorkers,"
Governor Cuomo said. "This administration is fully committed to ending both the sale and
use of this dangerous substance and this campaign will continue our efforts
to educate the public and stop the sale of these harmful substances once
in for all."
Each ad contains the phrase, "Synthetic Marijuana is dangerous and
illegal!" and includes a phone number to call to report illegal sales,
the State's HOPEline number, and the New York State Office of Alcoholism
and Substance Abuse
website.
Ads will run in New York City subways, primarily in Brooklyn, the Bronx
and Queens where a recent rise in use of these substances has been reported.
Additional ads will be placed on the Staten Island Ferry, in New York
State Thruway travel plazas, and on wallscapes in Syracuse, Binghamton,
and Plattsburgh. The New York State Office of Mental Health is also posting
these materials on their campuses to help further spread the message regarding
the danger of these substances.
New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Commissioner Arlene
González-Sánchez said, "In order to protect our communities and help save lives, it’s
vital to get the message out about the dangers of synthetics. I encourage
New Yorkers to help us get these dangerous synthetics off our streets
by reporting any illegal sales that you see in your community. I also
encourage those who need help for addiction to contact the NYS HOPEline
at 1-877-846-7369 or visit our NYS OASAS website at oasas.ny.gov."
As part of New York State's ongoing efforts to combat sale and use
of synthetics, Governor Cuomo, directed the State Department of Health
to issue regulations prohibiting the possession, manufacture, distribution
and sale of synthetic drugs and chemicals in 2012. The regulations allowed
for owner of an establishment and/or an employee selling synthetic marijuana
to be criminally charged with possession of an illicit substance, which
is punishable with a fine up to $500, or 15 days in jail, or a civil penalty
of up to $2,000 per violation.
In October 2015, the Governor launched two public service announcements
in an effort to warn New Yorkers about the dangers of synthetic drugs
and prescription opioid abuse.
The PSAs aired on television stations and music streaming services across the state.
In July 2016, after reports of increased emergency department visits due
to these drugs, Governor Cuomo and the New York State Police took action
to close establishments in Syracuse and Binghamton that were selling these
illegal substances and also seized the substances from establishments
in Rochester charging the store owners with unlawful possession of a synthetic
drug and violating the Department of Health regulation banning the possession
of these substances. The Governor also asked the Department of Health
to add two additional classes of compounds to the banned substances list,
in July 2015, which now covers hundreds of different hazardous chemicals.
New York State Department of Health Commissioner, Dr. Howard Zucker said, "Synthetic marijuana poses a grave threat to public health and safety
and this new awareness campaign will help educate New Yorkers on the dangers
of these drugs. Together with our new, tougher regulations and coordinated
statewide enforcement actions, these educational materials are an important
resource in Governor Cuomo's plan to fight the threat of synthetic
marijuana."
New York State Police Superintendent George P. Beach II said, "While State Police have strengthened enforcement against the distribution
of synthetic cannabinoids, public education is also critically important
in helping communities understand the dangers these drugs pose. This campaign
is part of a broader partnership involving a number of state agencies
to crack down on the spread of synthetic drugs and keep New Yorkers safe."
These drugs consist of man-made, mind-altering chemicals that are either
sprayed on dried, shredded plant material so they can be smoked (herbal
incense) or sold as liquids to be vaporized and inhaled in e-cigarettes
and other devices (liquid incense). They are marketed as “legal”
substances in colorful packaging, often as potpourri. Brand names for
substances include Spice, K2, Scooby Snax, Green Giant, Smacked, Wicked
X, iBlow, Geeked Up, Ninja, Caution, Red Giant, and Keisha Kole.
They can be life-threatening and can cause intense hallucinations and
psychotic episodes. Individuals may have suicidal thoughts and can hurt,
maim or even kill themselves or others while under the influence of these
man-made substances. Effects of use can range from irregularities in blood
pressure, agitation, irritability, nausea/vomiting, confusion, drowsiness,
headache, electrolyte abnormalities, seizures, anxiety, paranoia, aggressive
behavior, loss of consciousness, addiction, kidney failure, hypertension
and even death.
If you think someone has used a synthetic cannabinoid, call the New York
State Regional Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. In a medical emergency,
call 9-1-1. If you have information about the illegal distribution of
these synthetic drugs or bath salts, call the NYS Governor’s Synthetic
Hotline at 1-888-997-2587. Reports can be made anonymously.
New Yorkers struggling with an addiction, or whose loved ones are struggling,
can find help and hope by calling the State's toll-free, 24-hour,
7-day-a-week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or by texting
HOPENY (Short Code 467369). New Yorkers can find an OASAS-certified substance
use disorder treatment provider any time by using the
OASAS Treatment Availability Dashboard. For help with accessing care and insurance coverage, visit the
Access Treatment page.