A state senator is proposing to make selling synthetic marijuana a crime. Use of the drug is spreading across the city, causing an alarming spike in emergency room visits. Currently, the only punishment for dealing the drug is a fine. NY1’s Michael Herzenberg has the story.

"Very sad. This should never happen to any child," said Julia Rodriguez. Her friend’s adult son is addicted to synthetic marijuana.

"When he use the drugs, he get, he gets crazy," she said.

Doctors say that's not unusual, because the health effects of synthetic marijuana are far worse than marijuana that is grown.

"Some people come in very agitated, kind of similar to PCP, actually. Other people come in very sedated," said Dr. Benjamin Raatjes, Director of the Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program at Jacobi Hospital.

Synthetic marijuana is shredded plant material laced with chemical additives and is available under the counter at some corner stores.

The head of emergency psychiatry at Jacobi Medical Center joined community leaders in supporting two state lawmakers Wednesday as they proposed legislation to increase penalties for selling it.

"The ban that was instituted by the governor last year and updated this year actually just imposes a $500 fine on a business that sells K2, otherwise known as spice, a synthetic marijuana. And that's clearly not a deterrent," said State Senator Jeff Klein, who represents the Bronx.

Senator Klein displayed a video his office shot of a bodega selling fake pot.

One of the packets says potpourri, but is named Geeked Up, a street reference to getting high featuring a character with bloodshot eyes. Inside, it looks like real marijuana.

New York 1's Dean Meminger has highlighted the danger of the drug previously.

Now, at least 80 people seek emergency treatment at Jacobi each month.

"Bronx County has become, really, the K2 capital of New York City. There’s an epidemic going on right now," Klein said.

Klein’s bill would make selling more than 25 grams of the drug a felony, increase fines and revoke liquor, lottery and cigarette sales licenses for a third offense.

Rodriguez hopes the bill becomes law, thinking it may help clean up and turn around her friend's child.

"We have to love and save our children," she said.