Synthetic marijuana has been causing headaches for many across the nation. State legislators have tried to create laws, police have attempted to enforce them and citizens have tried to avoid behavior that could lead to drug charges. The problem: At every step, there has been confusion. In Michigan, the substance currently remains legal to sell and use.

Bans on synthetic marijuana do not actually ban "synthetic marijuana," but they ban the combination of chemicals that make up the substance commonly known as "Spice." The chemical make-up of the substance can easily be changed as manufacturers find ways to legally sell the product.

"We've never had an issue [with safety]," says the owner of one store owner that sells variations of the product. Law enforcement officials are on the other side and say that they have seen everything from no reaction to a bad trip.

Opinions on the safety or danger of the substances may vary from person to person and many people would like to use legal versions of the substance. Knowing when you are using a legal substance or an illegal one could quickly become confusing for Michigan residents too.

New legislation has been proposed that would create discretion for state health officials to institute a temporary ban lasting 180 days on new substances. During that period, officials would conduct research to determine whether it should be permanently banned or not.

Current legislation seeking to ban sales of synthetic marijuana has already passed in the Senate by a vote taken approximately two weeks ago. The legislation is currently before the House awaiting their decision.

Source: WZZM, "New bill cracks down on synthetic drugs," Jan. 30, 2012