Picente Announces Public Health Order Banning Synthetic Cannabinoids in Oneida CountyView

Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. today announced a new Public Health Order aimed at eliminating the sale of pre-packaged products commonly marketed as synthetic cannabinoids, including those known on the street as K2, Spice and Deuce.

The order, issued under the authority of the Oneida County Director of Health, is intended to reduce access to potentially dangerous substances that can cause severe, unpredictable and life-threatening health effects. Synthetic cannabinoids account for approximately 21% of all year-to-date overdose incidents in Oneida County.

"This is a serious public health issue, and we cannot stand by while these dangerous drugs continue to be sold and cause harm in our communities," Picente said. "Synthetic cannabinoids are having a devastating impact on the people who use them, their families and the neighborhoods where this activity is concentrated, including Oneida Square in Utica. These substances are unpredictable, they are contributing to overdoses, and they are creating significant public safety and quality-of-life challenges. We have a responsibility to do everything we can to stop their sale, protect our residents and reclaim our neighborhoods from the negative effects of these dangerous drugs."

Under the order, any pre-packaged product offered for sale in Oneida County must have an accurate description of its contents and identify the name and address of the manufacturer, packer or distributor. Products marketed, labeled or commonly understood to be synthetic cannabinoids, synthetic marijuana, K2, Spice, Deuce or substantially similar products in prohibited packaging, may be seized by authorized Oneida County Health Department and law enforcement officials.

Any person who sells, offers for sale or distributes products in violation of the order may face a civil penalty of up to $500 per item seized. Seized products may also be tested to determine their contents, composition or nature, and violations brought by the Health Department will not prevent law enforcement from pursuing appropriate criminal charges.

A person found to have violated the order twice within a six-month period may also be determined to be a public health nuisance, potentially resulting in a 30-day suspension of operations.

The order will take effect at 12:00 a.m. on August 26, 2026.

The Oneida County Health Department will work with local law enforcement agencies to conduct compliance checks, facility inspections and investigations related to violations of the order.

"Protecting public health requires us to respond to emerging threats, particularly when dangerous substances are being packaged and sold in ways that obscure what they actually contain," said Oneida County Director of Health Daniel W. Gilmore, PhD, MPH. "This order gives our Health Department and law enforcement partners an additional tool to address these products and prevent potentially devastating consequences."

The Public Health Order does not preclude, limit or otherwise affect the enforcement of existing federal, state or local laws governing controlled substances, labeling requirements or other illegal activity.

View the Public Health Order here.