Spotlight on K2 – Synthetic Marijuana
K2 is a smokeable blend of herbs and spices sprayed with synthetic chemicals which resemble those found in marijuana. It comes in many variaties with names such as Blonde, Summit, Standard, Citron and Spice.
- K2 consists of about ten different synthetic cannabinoids which vary in potency.
- One chemical in particular, known as JWH-018, is four to five times more potent than THC, the psychoactive ingredient found in marijuana.
K2 is currently legal in Texas and has been found available for purchase at some head shops, gas stations and liquor stores. It is marketed as an incense to be burned, like potpourri, and its package clearly states that it is not for human consumption. A gram of K2 typically sells for around $20-$50, which is slightly more expensive than the current price for a gram of marijuana.
K2 is outlawed in most countries in Europe, but its key ingredients are not currently regulated in the United States. The legality gap has prompted lawmakers in Missouri and Kansas to consider legislation banning the substance.
- The Missouri and Kansas state legislature have respectively introduced bills which would punish possession with up to seven years in a prison.
- Read the text of the Kansas law prohibiting the possession and trafficking of synthetic cannabinoids, HB265.
- Hear the Missouri Senate debate the law.
- In Pettis County, Missouri, it is now a misdemeanor to sell K2 or publicly display it for sale. The first offense carries up to 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $500. A second offense could draw 90 days in jail and a $5,000 fine.
The four main branches of the United States Armed Forces have banned soldiers from using the drug. The Marine Corps’ press release describing consequences of being caught with K2.
Why It Is Dangerous
While users anticipate a relaxing high, they often have the opposite effect with symptoms ranging from:
- nausea
- vomiting
- shortness of breath
- paranoia
- tachycardia
- dangerously elevated heart rate.
Poison control centers have issued warnings about the dangers of this drug. The chemical compounds that K2 is sprayed with are similar to THC, and these chemicals in K2 are made in clandestine labs with no standards or safeguards. The ingredients can vary wildly, as can the potency. A user can react one way to a certain batch and then have a violently different reaction to another batch.
There have been cases of teenagers being admitted to emergency rooms due to seizures and an elevated heart rate after smoking K2. Read a recent report on how the effects of K2 have spread throughout Central Texas.
Read more about the buzz on synthetic marijuana, and join the debate.
How You Can Get Involved
Parents should be aware of their child’s activities and look for the following paraphernalia:
- cigarette wrappers
- ashtrays
- materials that look like maybe potpourri or incense.
If you would like to be more engaged in the issue, contact your local district attorney to discuss what legal routes can be taken to ensure that K2 stays out of the hands of children and teenagers.