Mayor Bill de Blasio this week signed into law three new bills to curb the use of the synthetic marijuana known as K2 and increase violations for those who seek to sell or manufacture this chemical mixture.
The three bills are part of a multi-agency enforcement, education and prevention strategy against K2. The strategy aims to reduce the presence and use of K2 by aggressively cracking down on suppliers while offering supportive services and treatment to users in need.
“We are getting K2 off our streets and out of the hands of New Yorkers, and this legislation will improve quality of life for all New Yorkers,” said de Blasio. “K2 is a poison that threatens public safety and public health, and these new laws criminalize sellers and manufacturers without punishing users who are held hostage by this toxic drug.”
The mayor added that to date, the NYPD has arrested 10 sellers and seized $17.5 million worth of K2 products, ingredients and paraphernalia. He said the new law sends a clear message that making K2 or selling it to New Yorkers is a criminal activity that will not be tolerated.
