The Drug Enforcement Administration has issued an emergency action that orders store owners to remove so-called "synthetic marijuana" from their shelves within 30 days. 

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The "fake pot" is legally sold in stores, but won't be for much longer.

Today's action by the DEA means any product containing these chemicals will be banned for the next year as the government does scientific testing to determine its dangers.

Stores like Capital Hemp in Chinatown now have 30 days to take it off the shelves.

DEA Agents are concerned about its health dangers.Thousands of people are winding up in hospital emergency rooms after smoking it.

"It's like playing Russian Roulette," said Ava Cooper of the DEA.
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For the past year, it's been perfectly legal to buy it in smoke shops, gas stations, convenience stores. And over the internet.

Alhough it's sold as an "incense" called K2, spike, or spice, among other names, it has become a popular high for people smoking it --
even though there's a warning right on the package not to consume.

Hundreds have experienced side effects that include:vomiting, hallucinating, and experiencing tremors and seizures.

The herb is sprayed with a variety of chemicals that are similar to THC, the active ingredient in marijuana.

Today's action by the DEA means any product containing these chemicals will be banned for the next year as the government does scientific testing to determine its dangers.

It has already been banned in 13 states. And because of the health risks, several European countries have also already outlawed it.