Mayor to sign bills to combat synthetic marijuana use

Mayor Bill de Blasio held a hearing Tuesday aimed at providing city agencies with more tools for combating synthetic marijuana use.
The mayor says the new laws will criminalize the manufacturing and sale of the drug, also known as K2, and make it punishable by up to a year in prison and a fine up to $15,000.
Businesses are also at risk of having their cigarette license suspended or revoked. Repeat offenders could be shut down altogether.
De Blasio says he will sign the three bills into law in the coming days.
The announcement comes amid recent crackdowns on several stores in the borough and across the state.
Bags marketed as "legal highs" have resulted in emergency room visits from the unpredictable side effects.