Gov. Nathan Deal signed legislation Tuesday that outlaws all forms of synthetic marijuana in the state of Georgia.
"These synthetic substances pose an enormous risk to our public safety," Deal said in a news release. "As the usage has dramatically increased, instances of violence, bodily harm and even death have risen with it. I applaud the GBI and the General Assembly for their fast work on this legislation, which addresses a pressing need."
SB 370 was named Chase's Law in memory of Chase Corbitt Burnett, a 16-year-old honor student and soccer player found dead in a hot tub at his parent's Fayette County home after smoking the substance. Burnett's family joined GBI Director Vernon Keenan, Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, House Speaker Ralston and others at the bill signing.
Synthetic cannabinoids contain marijuana-like chemical compounds combined with