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DES MOINES, IOWA -- Iowa Governor Terry Branstad signs into law a bill that would expand the state's ban on synthetic drugs, calling it a proactive approach to tackling the state's elusive synthetic drug problem.

The law applies to synthetic drugs, sometimes sold as incense or baths salts, and commonly called spice or ivory wave.  The new law outlaws 43 synthetic drug compounds and five broader classes of synthetic drugs as Schedule I Controlled Substances.

According to the Governor’s Office of Drug Control Policy, manufacturing, selling or possessing synthetic drugs with the intent to deliver are aggravated misdemeanors, subject to a penalty of up to two years in prison and a $6,250 fine.  Possession of synthetic drugs is a serious misdemeanor, subject to a penalty of up to one year in jail and a $1,875 fine.