K2 drug banned

Synthetic cannabinoids are banned under a bill that passed Feb. 16.

LB19, introduced by Omaha Sen. Beau McCoy, expands the Uniform Controlled Substances Act to ban the class of synthetic cannabinoids used to make the drug commonly known as K2 or Spice.

Those found to be in possession of substances related to the drug will be guilty of:
• an infraction, receive a citation and a $300 fine and could be assigned to attend a course as prescribed for the first offense;
• a Class IV misdemeanor, receive a citation and a $400 fine and may be imprisoned no longer than five days for a second offense; and
• a Class III misdemeanor, receive a citation and a $500 fine and be imprisoned no longer than seven days for the third and subsequent offenses.

The bill passed on a 49-0 vote and takes effect immediately.