Synthetic Marijuana - Facts you should know
Update on K2, Spice and other synthetic forms of marijuana.
Synthetic marijuana, also known as “K2” or “Spice,” has been on everyone’s radar for some time. It is great to see policy change that will support our law enforcement and help to affect community level change.The Oregon Board of Pharmacy took action this week to address growing concern over the prevalence of synthetic cannabis products like K2 and Spice. The Board voted to file a temporary rule that will list several substances in the category of synthetic cannabis as schedule 1 controlled substances. This action is designed to give Oregon law enforcement officers the authority to arrest for possession and delivery. The rule will ban the sale and possession of these products and will take effect immediately upon filing of the temporary rule (expected in the next few days).
These potent herbal alternatives to marijuana are a mixture of herbal/spice plant products sprayed with potent synthetic compounds of Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). They can contribute to adverse health problems that can cause hallucinations, seizures and other troubling side effects. Attached is a “K2/Spice Fact Sheet” that provides additional background regarding these products. Once the temporary rule is officially filed, I will forward that actual language of the rule and any additional information related to enforcement. ~ Keven Campbell, OACP Executive Director
May 19, 2010 article by Andrea Zielinski published in the Douglas County News
The Douglas County Sheriff's Office and Umpqua Partners - For a drug-free future would like to alert parents, guardians and those who work with youth about a new synthetic form of marijuana that is being sold under the brand names K2 or Spice in local head shops and online as an incense product.
What is K2 or Spice?
Dried herbal blend for incense, more commonly smoked or inhaled through a pipe, produce a high that mimics marijuana. The herbs have been sprayed or coated with synthetic chemicals that replicate the effects of THC found in marijuana. There are dozens of synthetic marijuana products, some are significantly more potent then THC in marijuana. They can get a person so intoxicated that they end up in the emergency room with delusions, panic attacks, vomiting, heart palpitations, elevated blood pressure, agitation, dilated pupils, tremors and seizures. Also, these chemicals do not show up in standard drug screens.
K2 and other brands of synthetic marijuana are currently legal and available in Oregon (it has been banned in Kansas and Missouri). Just because it's legal does not mean it is safe.
Click here for the full article
Resources:
Researchers Warn About Dangers of Synthetic Marijuana - CADCA, March 18, 2010
Fake Weed, Real Drug: K2 Causing Hallucinations in Teens - Live Science, March 3, 2010
New Synthetic Cannabinoids - Eric Martin, MAC, CADC III, CPS
