ALBANY - Synthetic marijuana products can no longer be sold on convenience store shelves in the state of New York.

Last week New York State Health Commissioner Nirav R. Shah issued an order that bans the sale of synthetic marijuana products in the state. "The substances, generally referred to as 'synthetic marijuana," are sold as a 'legal alternative?? to marijuana in convenience stores, smoke shops and tobacco stores with brand names such as 'Spice,?? 'K2,?? 'Mr. Nice Guy?? and 'Galaxy Gold,??" according to a health department press release.

The order states: "Synthetic cannabinoids have been linked to severe adverse reactions, including death and acute renal failure, and commonly cause: tachycardia (increased heart rate); paranoid behavior, agitation and irritability; nausea and vomiting; confusion; drowsiness; headache; hypertension; electrolyte abnormalities; seizures; and syncope (loss of consciousness).

The order calls for sales and distribution of these products to cease immediately, and calls upon local health officials to distribute the order and check for compliance.

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), at least 40 states have banned the synthetic drugs, and the federal Drug Enforcement Agency banned five chemicals used to make K2 last year.

In the U.S. Congress, House-passed legislation to prohibit the sale of synthetic marijuana and other drugs known as "bath salts" and "plant food" has been delayed indefinitely in the Senate.