K2 Kush Package and its Contents Photo Credit: Sarah Wiese
Innocuously labeled as a type of incense, synthetic marijuana has made its way onto the shelves of stores across the country. The high is steeper and far more dangerous than that of organic marijuana, and it is legal, being sold at a convenience store near you. Several countries in Europe, as well as 13 states in the U.S. have managed to outlaw synthetic marijuana, but for now, any Floridian can purchase it. However, Florida State Senator Stephen Wise has legislation in the works for the illegalization of these products, which he plans to bring to the floor in the next legislative session, according to a report by the St. Petersburg Times.
Dr. Jay Schauben, Doctor of Pharmacy and director of the Florida/USVI Poison Information Center and Professor at the University of Florida Health Science Center, said toxic chemicals are sprayed on a variety of dried plant material without uniformity. The herbal ingredients vary with every package, and the potency of the chemicals changes from batch to batch. The potency is on average 15 times more powerful than marijuana but can be up to 700 times, depending on the batch. According to Dr. Schauben, some of the effects that have been reported are seizures, severe agitation and panic attacks, cardiac effects, serious hallucinations, and comas. Thirty cases have been reported to the Poison Control Center in the state of Florida in the last year.
Synthetic marijuana, sometimes branded K2 or Spice, is being sold legally because it is marketed as a room deodorizer or incense. The Food and Drug Administration has no control over the product because it is clearly labeled “not for consumption.” So, how did these chemicals end up in gas stations, convenience stores and smoke shops around Jacksonville?
According to Dr. Schauben, the chemical ended up in the hands of street pharmacologists that set out searching scientific journals for possible chemical formulas that can be easily made and used as a recreational drug. This is the same method that brought GHB to dance clubs and caused many deaths and negative health effects for young people.
Regardless of the dangers and the impending legislation, many students use K2 and Spice because of its availability and similar high to marijuana.
“I would say it is a high comparable to weed, minus the longevity of it.” said a Florida State College at Jacksonville student who wished to remain anonymous “The side affects are minimal to me, but some of my friends suffer stomach pains from it. It’s also convenient because it doesn’t show up on drug tests.”
In all actuality, testing for the various chemicals associated with synthetic marijuana is not widely available, but in a press release from Norchem Labs dated Nov. 18, 2010, a test has now been developed and criminal justice systems around the United States will be implementing it.
These synthetic marijuana products are not widely known throughout the general population, but knowledge of their existence is spreading fast. The office of Jacksonville City Councilman Art Shad was contacted for this story. Shad is vice chair of the Jacksonville Health and Safety Committee. Upon searching for anything related to the sale of synthetic marijuana, his office could come up with no notifications or legislation that they have been made aware of.
From the beginning of the interview, Dr. Schauben stated that knowing the dangers this product carries is very important for college students.
“Clearly, this is playing Russian Roulette”, said Dr. Schauben.
Exploration in Journalism 