LANSING -- Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette announced his support for today legislation that would ban dangerous synthetic drugs like K2 and Spice.

The legislation, which was approved by the House of Representatives this week, would create a fast-track process to declare synthetic drugs a controlled substance. Current state law has not been able to keep up with the evolving variations of synthetic drugs on store shelves, according to Schuette.

The legislation also amends state law to expand the definitions of synthetic cannabinoids such as K2, Spice, and Incense, as well as synthetic cathinones such as Bath Salts and Plant Food.

In a press release today, Schuette says that "the connection between these dangerous synthetic drugs and violent crime in our communities is disturbing. He adds that government's first priority is to ensure public safety and this will give law enforcement the tools they need to make that happen.

This legislation would make selling these substances a felony, punishable by up to four years in prison, a $20,000 fine, or both. It will also be illegal to "deceptively market" substances that are designed to mimic any of these drugs.