The party's over for fans of the previously "hey, it's not illegal" synthetic marijuana.
Sold under names such as K2, K3, spice and genie, the fake weed has now been added to the federal government's Controlled Substances Act.
A total of 26 synthetic drugs were added in July as Schedule I substances, in the same class as marijuana, heroin, LSD and ecstasy.
Synthetic marijuana is often marketed as "novelty incense" and generally contains a mix of herbs and flowers that may be laced with chemicals, according to the Anne Arundel County Police Department.
The new federal law also allows for latecomers to the show, including a new definition for "cannabamimetic agents," which defines criteria to control similar chemical compounds that may appear down the line.
The punishment for possession of Schedule I substances is up to four years in prison. Distribution or possession with intent to distribute would yield up to 20 years. Both also carry the potential for a $25,000 fine.
The commonwealth of Virginia had banned synthetic marijuana in March 2011. Ocean City, Md., banned it in August 2011.
