N.H. Gov. Hassan Signs Bill Banning Synthetic Drugs

New Hampshire Gov. Maggie Hassan says a new statewide ban on the sale and possession of synthetic drugs will help build on the state's effort to combat the growing drug abuse problem.

Hassan signed the legislation Monday. It takes effect immediately. Businesses caught selling synthetic drugs such as "spice" can now lose their licenses to sell liquor, lottery tickets or food and be fined. Individuals possessing or selling the drug can face a daily $500 fine.

Reactions to synthetic drugs can be unpredictable because it's hard to know what is in them. The bill includes an extensive list of banned substances and creates a process for adding new substances as synthetic drug ingredients change.

Hassan declared a state of emergency last summer after 40 Manchester residents had serious reactions to synthetic cannabinoid.