New York City Bans Synthetic Marijuana to Curb Spike in Sales

The synthetic drug K2 is now illegal in New York City.

New York City has banned the production and sale of "K2", "Spice" and other synthetic marijuana products, Mayor Bill de Blasio said in a statement.

At one point, the problem became so bad that an entire block in East Harlem became known for the proliferation of bodegas that sold the drug and users hanging around smoking it. The drugs go by a variety of names, such as K2, Spice, Green Giant and Caution, and produce adverse consequences ranging from agitation to vomiting to tremor seizures to hallucinations to violent behavior.

Synthetic cannabinoids are leaves sprayed with unpredictable and diverse chemical combinations that are either smoked or ingested. The city saw a dramatic increase over the summer, with more than 2,300 ER visits occurring during the months of July and August.

A person or store with at least nine packs of synthetic marijuana will be hit with intent to sell.

"There should be no question that this is risky stuff and that it has untold health consequences", said Health Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett.

"We understand that a few of the people who use this drug are amongst the most vulnerable in our city, and often include those who are dealing with mental health issues already", de Blasio said. Additionally, the city can now revoke, suspend, or refuse to renew the licenses of cigarette dealers if they are found to be selling the drugs.

Minutes before de Blasio started his news conference, there was an unexpected announcement from Gov. Andrew Cuomo that his office had errected a billboard in the Bronx warning that K2 can kill.

According to the DEA, reports of synthetic marijuana products identified by local, state and federal drug labs have skyrocketed in recent years.

Law told CBS News that the public needs to be made aware of the dangers associated with synthetic drugs and urged not to use them.