MORGAN COUNTY, Ind. -- Morgan County leaders have joined the push to ban the use of "spice," a substance that some consider an alternative to marijuana.

Officials passed an ordinance Monday night that will make it illegal to sell the substance or burn it in public places, 6News' Renee Jameson reported.

The move came a day after Boone County leaders passed a similar ban.

Spice, also known as K2, is a packet of herbs coated with a synthetic chemical said to mimic a marijuana high when smoked, and can lead to serious health issues, said Morgan County Prosecutor Steve Sonnega.

The Indiana Poison Center recently said the substance has caused the hospitalization of more than a dozen residents.

"Your hope is that you can reach somebody and keep them from hurting themselves or hurting others," Sonnega said of the ban.

Gary Myers, president and CEO of Kocolene Development Corporation, which owns discount tobacco stores in Martinsville and Mooresville, said his supplier marketed spice as incense, but that he did not know people smoked it to try and get high.

"You've enlightened me today that kids are smoking it and getting some type of high on it. So, yes, I'm surprised with that, and we will address the ban as soon as we can," Myers said.

The fine for selling spice in Morgan County will be up to $2,500 for a first-time offense.

Residents said they're glad the county is taking a proactive approach.

"I most definitely agree, because it's a gateway (drug). It's a legal gateway," said Derrick Arp of Martinsville.

The Legislature is expected to take up the issue of a statewide ban in January. The laws in Morgan and Boone counties are expected to take effect in two weeks.

Spice has been on the market since 2006 and is banned in at least seven states, including Kentucky.

The American Association of Poison Control Centers said it has logged 866 cases from 48 states in which someone reported a negative reaction to spice so far this year. In 2009, there were 13 reports.