By Adam Allington, St. Louis Public Radio
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kcur/local-kcur-911522.mp3
St. Louis, Missouri – Yesterday Missouri became the fifth state to ban the marijuana-like substance known as "K2".
The penalties for possession will be similar to regular pot.
K2 is a mixture of dried herbs sprayed with a synthetic substance that, when smoked, mirrors the effects of cannabis.
Governor Jay Nixon says the popularity of K2 has spiked in recent months among college and high school students, making it a legitimate health risk.
"This is a clever attempt to provide a dangerous high legally," says Nixon. "And whoever was doing it was trying to get around the law."
K2 is generally sold in head shops and gas stations. Anyone on possession of the substance after August 28 will face fines and/or jail time.
Meanwhile, Kansas became the first state in country to ban K2 earlier this year.