Missouri's high approval of K2 ban

City of Kennett develops ordinance in support of criminalizing substance

The City of Kennett already has in place an ordinance against the sale and possession of synthetic drugs, including, but not limited to the substance widely recognized as "K2 or Spice," however on August 28, 2010 this ban will become an official state law.

At that time possession or sale will be deemed a criminal act and charges may be filed. According to Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Jonce Chidister, possession of 35 grams or less will be considered a misdemeanor and is punishable by up to a year in jail or a $ 1000 fine or both. If 35 grams or more is found in a person's possession, it will be considered a class c felony and is punishable by up to seven years in prison and a fine of $ 5000.

Missouri became the fifth state to sign a bill labeling K2 as a controlled substance. Arkansas, Alabama, Kansas and Kentucky have already passed similar bans. Governor Nixon signed House Bill 1472, relating to the ban on synthetic drugs, into effect on Tuesday, July 6, 2010. The substance will the be added to a list under schedule 1. This means that the substances on this list have the potential of being abused by the users. Furthermore, they have no accepted medical usage in treatment in the United States and they lack accepted safe use in treatment even under medical supervision.

K2 is a smoking blend of herbs and spices and is sprayed with a synthetic substance that mimics the effects of marijuana. The substance is sometimes referred to as "fake pot" or ingestible "incense." Researchers say that when looking at the substance, one would marvel at how much it resembles potpourri. Although a lot of times it is burned in incense pots, it can be rolled in wrappers to make a joint or be smoked in pipes.

Also known by the names of Spice, Mojo, Mellow Fellow, and Genie, just to name a few, it is mostly sold at convenience stores, gas stations and head shops. According to some reports, it may be up to 15 times more powerful than marijuana. Marijuana itself has been known to make the heart rate increase as well as being an irritant to the lungs much like regular tobacco. This is a contributing factor in some respiratory problems among users. Marijuana is thought by some researchers to affect users mentally by causing such problems as depression and anxiety. It is believed by some that a variety of pot smokers may even experience schizophrenia as a side effect. However, according to reports, K2 is considered to be stronger in its effects and more dangerous to the users health than marijuana is believed to be. Scientists say that K2 and similar substances are absorbed into the bloodstream more quickly and is carried to other parts of the body including the vital organs. Other problems associated with K2 are hallucinations, severe agitation, vomiting and high blood pressure.

Studies have also been done on lab animals, including mice. The results showed that the mice experienced lower body temperatures, partial paralysis and an inability to feel pain.

As of May 2010, poison control centers all across the United States had reported 352 cases in 35 states experiencing some sort of sickness, relating to the use of the synthetic drug.

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, K2 is considered to be a "drug of concern." Drug enforcement is still considering all the data and is trying to determine how dangerous the substance really is, adding that there are people who want to believe that this drug is a safe choice but in reality, it is not known what adverse effects it could have on users.

Anti-supporters of the synthetic substance claim that it affects people in different ways, noting that while one person may pass out when it is taken, another may have problems driving, as if they were under the influence of alcohol.

Much of the drug's appeal seems to be the fact that it doesn't show up on drug tests. It is widely known that many employers require a pre-employment drug test. A new testing method will most likely be available in the future since the drug has come under the scrutiny of many state officials.

It is unknown at this time how long-term usage could affect one's body. According to reports, it is possible that the drug may cause permanent damage, but officials feel it is too soon to jump to that conclusion. However, previous evidence has shown that K2 does have the potential to cause major damage to the lungs, brain, heart and to other vital organs.

* Some information for this article was taken from the

following sources,

http://globe-democrat.com/news/2010/jul/..., http://hightimes.com/news/mike_hughes/65..., http://blogs.riverfronttimes.com/dailyrf...,

http://www.news-leader.com/article/20100..., http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2010... and http://governor.mo.gov/newsroom/2010/Mis...

Criminalize_Possession_K2.