Synthetic means that something is artificially created, or not naturally occurring.

A synthetic drug is a drug created to have the same effects as a drug listed by the State as a controlled substance, but is not itself listed as a controlled substance by the State.  These can come in many forms.  It may be powder or crystals, as a tablet, in a capsule, or loose.  It may also be plant material which is powdered, loose leaf, liquid, or a food additive.

If something is considered illicit, it is unlawful or illegal.  Whether a synthetic drug is illicit depends on its labeling and whether it is like a drug in certain ways.

The first question is whether a label is “false or misleading;” does not list the ingredients; or does not have the name and location of the manufacturer, packer, or distributor on it.If you answered yes to any of the above, you must look at the product itself.

A product may be considered spice if it has one of the above labeling problems and is drug-like in some way.  If you can answer yes to two or more of these, it is probably an illicit synthetic drug:

• The images or words on the label say or hint that using it will somehow get you high, or that it can act like a drug by causing effects like relaxation, hallucinations, or mood
• Other products advertised for the same or similar purpose cost noticeably less than this
• There is a warning label saying or implying that the product meets State controlled substances
• The products looks like a drug, whether it is on a microscopic level or eye
• The product is advertised for a particular purpose, but one of the ingredients seems completely unrelated to this purpose.

Yes. You may be convicted of violating the law and be fined up to $500 if you have, offer, display, market, advertise, or sell an illicit synthetic drug.