Legal marijuana substance showing up in Kansas

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TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) -- Kansas law enforcement agencies and some lawmakers are taking notice of a new legal substance that is designed to mimic the effects of marijuana.

The substance, called K2, works and smells like marijuana.

Kansas City-area police confirm that little bags of dried herbs are starting to pop up among teens and young adults.

State Rep. Peggy Mast is considering trying to outlaw the substance.

The risks of smoking the substance are unknown, and some European countries already have moved to ban it.

Johnson County police first discovered the drug was being used by ex-convicts on probation.

The Sacred Journey, a botanical store in Lawrence, sells K2.

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Information from: The Kansas City Star, http://www.kcstar.com