Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan and Ald. Ed Burke will team up Tuesday to remind business owners that Chicago's ban of synthetic pot begins Wednesday and fake pot products must be removed.
"Any business currently selling synthetic marijuana products must remove those products from its shelves or face fines or possible revocation of its business license,” Burke said in a statement.
Businesses that violate the ordinance would face fines up to $1,000 for each offense and could have their business licenses revoked.
And Burke will be watching. The alderman said his staff easily purchased synthetic marijuana at seven locations across Chicago in a week for $10 to $20 per gram.
"One gas station located on South Archer Avenue in the 11th Ward is within one mile of five schools and four public parks,” he said.
Illinois law previously prohibited the sale of synthetic marijuana with certain chemicals. Manufacturers are changing the ingredients to circumvent the state law.
“The fact that anyone can walk into a store and purchase synthetic drugs gives the illusion that these substances are safe, but nothing could be further from the truth," Madigan said. "Using these drugs is like playing Russian Roulette with your brain.”
Synthetic marijuana often is sold under the guise of incense, potpourri and aromatherapy products, Madigan said.
The new Chicago ban was named “Max’s Law” in memory of Max Dobner, an Aurora teen who died in a 100 mph car crash after using synthetic marijuana.
