Store Owners Warned Not to Sell Synthetic Marijuana

Synthetic marijuana products like Spice and K2 .

Sheriff Bob Gualtieri formally announced Monday a campaign to have deputies hand deliver letters to about 300 to 400 retailers.

The letters say that more synthetic substances commonly found in incense products are now classified as controlled substances and that it's a third-degree felony to possess or sell them. The state legislature recently added 92 chemicals to the list of banned substances (detailed in Florida State Statute 893.03 and 893.13).

The products are labeled as potpourri but commonly shelved next to rolling paper and pipes, Gualtieri said.

The products can cause a health risk if ingested or inhaled. Medical experts report side effects such as muscle spasms, hallucinations, seizures, kidney failure, aggression and severe paranoia, according to the sheriff's office.

In Dunedin, the sheriff's office says K2 use and underage drinking played a role in the  in early May. Another incense is also blamed for the , a former Palm Harbor University High School student, in January.

"People are risking their health and well being ... Stores are making a lot of money but at the expense of public health,"  said Sgt. Dan Zsido.

Labeling is one of the challenges for the sheriff's office. The product labels often don't contain ingredients or the manufacturer's contact information. The manufacturers expand the specific substances they place in the products regularly, which add to the enforcement challenge. The sheriff's office must have each product tested to see if it contains one of the banned substances, Gualtieri said.

Many retailers "are willing to stop as long as they have clarity what to expect ... I think they are going to be responsible. They are looking for a level playing field, consistent and uniform enforcement," Gualtieri said.

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