WASHINGTON — The top prosecutor in D.C. is going on a crusade against businesses in the District that illegally sell synthetic drugs.
The drugs are sometimes called “synthetic marijuana” because they mimic the effects of pot.
They have names such as “Scooby Snax” and are often wrapped in colorful packaging with images of cartoon characters.
“The Office of the Attorney General has launched an all-out effort to end the sales of these chemicals to District residents — and particularly to our children, who are preyed on by the unscrupulous manufacturers and purveyors of these drugs,” D.C. Attorney General Karl Racine said in a statement.
Although technically they are prohibited, the products are available in certain convenient stores in DC.
According to the attorney general’s office, synthetic drugs can lead to serious side effects like psychosis, seizures or even death.
“People may think that something called ‘synthetic marijuana’ is largely harmless — but that’s far removed from the extremely dangerous truth of these drugs,” said Racine.
The attorney general’s office has already filed actions against at least four businesses.
