(Indianapolis, Ind.) - Called “K2” or “Spice” among the teens it is popular with, synthetic marijuana may soon be banned in Indiana.

The substance is currently legal and available in many convenience stores. A handful of cities and counties around the state have already taken the initiative to ban it.

State Senator Patricia Miller (R-Indianapolis) has filed legislation to ban Spice – a move supported by the Indiana State Medical Association. The bill will be considered when the 2011 General Assembly convenes in January.

"Officials estimate the effect of smoking Spice could be 10 times stronger than marijuana," Miller said. "Lawmakers should use the resources available to ban these products statewide and help protect Hoosiers - particularly teens and young adults."

Indiana has had a nation leading 41 cases of people ages 6 to 19 suffering long-term impairment from using Spice according to Drug Free-Marion County.

Ten other states already have laws banning or restricting the use of spice.