A new law makes possession of salvia sivinorum, salvinorin A, and synthetic cannabinoids illegal in the state of Alabama.

When smoked, the substances all have effects and symptoms similar to smoking marijuana. In fact, Gardendale police say the penalties for possession of the substances will be the same as marijuana: possession for purposes other than personal use is a felony, and personal use is a misdemeanor.

“In the springtime, one of our officers encountered what we believe was this stuff in a convenience store,” said Gardendale Police Chief Mike Walker. “He came into the station and said he thought it might be illegal; because if you use it, you hallucinate.”

For now, Walker said they aren’t making arrests on any convenience store carrying any of the newly illegal substances, instead merely confiscating the substances and informing the owners of the law. They are also handing out flyers explaining the new law at area stores.

“I’m very glad that the state legislature has passed the law,” said Walker. “If we’ve got anything out there that anybody could hurt themselves with, then it’s good that it’s off the streets. From what I’ve heard, it sounds very potent, maybe more potent than marijuana.”

The scientific genus for marijuana is cannabis, and Walker confirmed that the law basically covers all substances similar to marijuana. The substances are known as cannabinoids, and a state laboratory has been set up for law enforcement agencies to test substances to determine if they are illegal.

Police say the synthetic cannabinoids are often marked as herbal incense under the names Spice, K2, Smoke, Dream, Yucatan Fire and Genie.

State Rep. Allen Treadaway (R-Morris) voted for the measure, which was introduced by Rep. James Gordon (D-Saraland). The State Senate passed the bill on a 24-0 vote.