Troy- Rensselaer County Executive Kathleen M. Jimino has released the County’s plan of action to halt the sale of the potentially deadly synthetic cannabinoid products. These substances, generally referred to as “synthetic marijuana”, consist of plant material coated by chemicals that mimic the effects of THC, the active ingredient in marijuana. These products are being sold as a “legal alternative” to marijuana in convenience stores, smoke shops, and tobacco stores with brand names such as “Spice”, “K2”, “Mr. Nice Guy”, and “Galaxy Gold.”  The State Health Department has banned the sale of the dangerous products through the Commissioners order.  State and Federal representatives are currently pursuing legislation to make the products illegal. 

According to the New York State Department of Health these are powerful drugs that when used can causes severe adverse reactions, including death and acute renal failure, and commonly cause: increased heart rate, paranoid behavior, agitation and irritability, nausea and vomiting, confusion, drowsiness, headache, seizures, and loss of consciousness.   Due to the potentially deadly effects of the chemicals contained in these products, the New York State Health Commissioner has prohibited the sale and distribution of these products within New York State.

To prevent the sale or distribution of synthetic marijuana in Rensselaer County the County Executive has established a working group including staff from the County Executive’s Office, the County Health Department, Rensselaer County STOP-DWI, The Sheriff’s Department, and local law enforcement agencies from throughout the County.   The working group is tasked with educating all businesses to the required prohibition of the sale and distribution of the products.

“I want to thank all of the partners in local governments as well as the participating law enforcement agencies offering their assistance in keeping these dangerous products out of the hands of our youth.  I also call upon all residents to keep a watchful eye and report any shop or store selling these products. That phone call could save a life,” said Rensselaer County Executive Kathleen M. Jimino.

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Residents seeing these products available for sale at shops and stores are urged to alert authorities by calling the Sheriff’s Rensselaer County Drug Tip Line at 518-270-0128. 

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