ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — The Maryland House Judiciary Committee will consider a bill that would allow Frederick County Commissioners to prohibit the possession and distribution of synthetic cannabinoids, better known synthetic marijuana.

Officials say that synthetic cannabinoids are chemical substances that are not derived from the marijuana plant but mimic the effects of THC, the primary ingredient in marijuana.

The cannabinoids are typically sprayed onto plant material and marketed under names such as “Spice” or “K2.”

Officials say that criminal enforcement of the sale and possession of these substances has been challenging, since manufacturers can elude legal bans on products by making slight changes to their chemical structures.

The committee, which will consider the bill Tuesday, has already had a hearing on a bill that would ban the substance statewide.

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