State officials are arming themselves with the tools to double their efforts in the fight on synthetic drugs.  Attorney General Lisa Madigan called an emergency summit in Springfield today to address the rising number of young people using synthetic marijuana and what she calls "convenience store cocaine." 

[audio:rddBad1.mp3]A Word From Madigan[/audio]

Madigan adds the drugs are causing very dangerous side effects.

[audio:rddBad2.mp3]A Word From Madigan[/audio]

The federal Drug Enforcement Agency has also joined the fight.  They've put a ban on several of the chemicals used to make the synthetic drugs, which will take effect in Illinois on January 1st.  Madigan says one of her goals is to educate parents and law enforcement agencies so they can recognize signs of people who've used the drugs and give them the tools to help take the drugs off the street.