Over the past few years, synthetic drugs, such as bath salts and synthetic marijuana (cannabinoids), have received a great deal of negative press due to reports that these substances can cause hallucinations and psychosis. For a long time, these synthetic drugs could be purchased in stores.
In late 2012, Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi filed an order immediately declaring over 20 types of synthetic drugs illegal.
Now, the possession or sale of synthetic drugs is a third-degree felony.
Here is a copy of the emergency order declaring synthetic drugs illegal.
So now not only is the sale or possession of these synthetic drugs a felony, but if you are on probation and you test positive for a synthetic drug, you can face a probation violation.
It is likely that in 2013, the Florida Legislature will vote to make this order a permanent law in our state.
Eric Matheny is a criminal defense attorney serving clients charged with drug possession, sale, and trafficking offenses in Miami-Dade and Broward.