Chicago Police DepartmentSpecial Order S04-26-13
Synthetic Marijuana
Issue Date:07 March 2013Effective Date:07 March 2013
Rescinds:D11-15 dated 24 December 2011
Index Category:Preliminary Investigations
I.Purpose
This directive delineates the procedures that will be followed when a Department member becomes aware that a licensed business is stocking, selling, and/or distributing synthetic marijuana in the City of Chicago.
II.GENERAL INFORMATION
Under the Municipal Code of Chicago (MCC 4-4-333(b)) and the Illinois Controlled Substances Act (720 ILCS 570) it is unlawful for a licensed business to stock, sell, and/or distribute synthetic marijuana in the City of Chicago.

Synthetic marijuana is a psychoactive herbal and chemical product that mimics the effects of cannabis when consumed. Popular brand names include K2 and Spice, both of which have become popular terms used to refer to any synthetic cannabis product. Products generally contain the chemical cannabicyclohexanol and/or other chemicals that are listed under 720 ILCS 570/204(b) of the Illinois Controlled Substances Act.
III.PROCEDURES
  • A.A Department member who becomes aware that a licensed business is stocking, selling, and/or distributing synthetic marijuana in the City of Chicago will:
    • 1.if the owner is on the premises:
      • a.place the owner under arrest for the appropriate violation of 720 ILCS 570/401 consistent with the Department directive entitled "Processing Persons Under Department Control" and cite one of, but not limited to, the following charges:
        • (1)less than 50 grams: 720 ILCS 570/401(d);
        • (2)50 grams or more but less than 200 grams: 720 ILCS 570/401(c)(11); or
        • (3)200 grams or more: 720 ILCS 570/401(a) (11).
      • b.complete a Vice case report using the following classifications:
        • (1)Primary classification: Narcotics
        • (2)Secondary classification: Manu/Poss w/Intent to Deliver:Synthetic Marijuana
        • (3)IUCR code: 2033.
      • c.issue the business an ANOV citation, consistent with the Department directive entitled "Municipal Administrative Hearings", citing MCC 4-4-333(b). The issuing member will:
        • (1)cite the name of the business as the "Respondent."
        • (2)list the owner as the "Person Served."
      • d.inventory the suspect synthetic marijuana consistent with the Department directive entitled "Inventorying Narcotics Evidence" and record the inventory number on the ANOV.
    • 2.if the owner is not present:
      • a.issue the business an ANOV citation, consistent with the Department directive entitled "Municipal Administrative Hearings", citing MCC 4-4-333(b). The issuing member will:
        • (1)cite the name of the business as the "Respondent."
        • (2)list the name of the employee on the premise as the "Person Served."
        • (3)inform the employee that the ANOV must be given to the owner of the business.
      • b.complete a Vice case report using the following classifications:
        • (1)Primary classification: Narcotics
        • (2)Secondary classification: Manu/Poss w/Intent to Deliver:Synthetic Marijuana
        • (3)IUCR code: 2033.
      • c.inventory the suspect synthetic marijuana consistent with the Department directive entitled "Inventorying Narcotics Evidence" and record the inventory number on the ANOV.
Authenticated by: JKH
Garry F. McCarthy
Superintendent of Police
12-154 TRH