FRANKFORT — A new state law to ban synthetic drugs that are often falsely marketed as bath salts or plant food is on the books but police are not expected to make immediate raids on stores to find them.

Rep. John Tilley, the sponsor of House Bill 121, which Gov. Steve Beshear signed into law Wednesday, said police will be warning convenience stores and gas stations about the illegal drugs to educate them about the new law.

Police already have been warning store owners about the ban, "and I've not received one complaint from any store owner," said Tilley, D-Hopkinsville.

The legislation contains an emergency clause, which means it takes effect upon the governor's signature.

The bill bans synthetic drugs that are designed to mimic the effects of Ecstasy and methamphetamine.

The manufactured drugs MDPV and mephadrone can create delusions, paranoia and sometimes violent behavior, Beshear said.

He noted that users have been showing up more often in hospitals and emergency rooms across the state.

Under House Bill 121, manufacturing or trafficking in the substance is a Class A misdemeanor/ Possession is a Class B misdemeanor.

A similar ban on synthetic marijuana, also called Spice or K2, became law last year.