Governor Snyder signs bills banning synthetic drugs like K2

(WXYZ) - Michigan Governor Rick Snyder has signed a series of bills that will make K2 and other synthetic drugs illegal in Michigan.

"This is one of those war on drug kind of questions that is going to be a challenge ahead, but I think we have better weapons and tools today and that's something to be proud of," said Governor Rick Snyder.

Awareness of synthetic drugs like Spice, K2 and bath salts has grown in recent weeks because of a series of high profile criminal cases where their uses has been cited.

These cases include the Cipriano murder case and the Miami cannibal case. Those cases have led to a number of communities banning the sale of the controversial substances.

The governor invited an Oakland County family to be at the signing of the bill because their son Oliver Smith has been one of faces of K2.  Smith died of a K2 overdose in May.

"Please remember Oliver for what he truly was, a joyous young man who could light up a room with his infectious smile,' said his father Larry Smith.  Smith read a letter to thank lawmakers for their efforts at working together to ban K2.

"Your effort will save lives and immeasurable pain and that is a certainty," said Smith.

Anyone who sees K2 on a store shelf after July 1, or knows of someone distributing and selling it, should call 1-855-MICH-TIP. 

On July 1, Michigan State Police will start actively going into stores and gas stations to make sure it's not being sold.

"Eventually what we want to get the point across in this small window of opportunity is to stop selling these drugs or you are about to become a drug dealer, not a gas station owner, and I don't think anyone wants that," said Lake Orion Chief of Police Jerry Nash.

If you are caught using K2 it's a 93 day misdemeanor.  Possession is a 2-year felony. Selling and distributing is a 7-year felony.