Governor Deal Signs Bill Outlawing Synthetic Pot

Tuesday Georgia Governor Nathan Deal signed SB370, making the sale of synthetic marijuana illegal. Named for Chase Burnett, SB370 was named “Chase’s Law.” Chase was a 16-year-old honor student and soccer player from Fayetteville who died earlier this month after smoking “Spice,” a synthetic form of marijuana, reports the AJC.

, up until Monday, was readily available in many gas stations and convenience stores throughout the state.

The product contains a marijuana-like chemical combined with different forms of dried vegetation and is smoked by those looking for a legal high. The American Association of Poison Control Centers reports that there were almost 7,000 calls nationwide related to adverse effects associated with using the products – more than double the number of calls in 2010.

“These synthetic substances pose an enormous risk to our public safety,” said Deal. “As the usage has dramatically increased, instances of violence, bodily harm and even death have risen with it. I applaud the GBI and the General Assembly for their fast work on this legislation, which addresses a pressing need.”

The law goes into effect on Sunday, April 1, 2012.