Five chemicals in fake pot banned

WASHINGTON (AP) - An emergency plan to outlaw the sale of five chemicals used in herbal blends to make synthetic marijuana becomes official Tuesday.

The Drug Enforcement Administration filed a final notice Monday that the chemicals used in so-called incense will be banned for sale for at least a year. The order will be published in the Federal Register Tuesday.

The fake marijuana, sold in drug paraphernalia shops and on the Internet, is marketed under various brands including Spice, K2, Blaze and Red X Dawn. The products contain organic leaves coated with chemicals that provide a marijuana-like high when smoked.

Federal drug officials announced plans for the emergency measure in November, amid increasing reports of bad reactions to the chemicals - including seizures, hallucinations and dependency.