New York State has banned the sale of synthetic marijuana products, according to an order issued today by Health Commissioner Dr. Nirav R. Shah.

These substances, often known as "bath salts," consist of plant material coated by chemicals that mimic THC, the active ingredient in marijuana. These products are being sold as a "legal alternative" to marijuana in convenience stores, smoke shops and tobacco stores with brand names such as Spice, K2, Mr. Nice Guy and Galaxy Gold.

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo called upon the Department of Health to take action to ban the sale of these dangerous products.

The order states, "synthetic cannabinoids have been linked to severe adverse reactions, including death and acute renal failure, and commonly cause: tachycardia (increased heart rate); paranoid behavior, agitation and irritability; nausea and vomiting; confusion; drowsiness; headache; hypertension; electrolyte abnormalities; seizures; and syncope (loss of consciousness)."

The order calls for sales and distribution of these products to cease immediately. It calls upon local health officials to distribute the order and check for compliance.