On Tuesday of this week, Gov. Jay Nixon signed a bill making the product known as K2 a controlled substance, with possession of the item punishable by jail or fine.
K2, which is commonly sold as incense, is also known as “fake pot” or “synthetic marijuana” – because when it’s inhaled or smoked in the form of a cigarette, it produces an intense marijuana-like high.
In March, the Herald reported about the “fake pot” being sold in Ava and surrounding areas, the article noted that many merchants found the item so popular they struggled to keep it in stock.
However, in August, K2 will be illegal in Missouri.
Missouri will now be the fifth state to criminalize the compound. Kansas enacted the first ban in March.
Under the new law, if someone has K2 or any synthetic marijuana in possession, the quantity amount will determine if it’s a felony or misdemeanor crime.
The law goes into effect Saturday, Aug. 28.
