Synthetic marijuana could be outlawed under bill

By Nancy Badertscher

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Legislation is being introduced in the Georgia House that would outlaw the sale and possession of K2 synthetic marijuana, a new substance being sold in some of the state's smoke shops. It's designed to mimic the effects of marijuana, said the bill's sponsor, Rep. Jay Neal (R-LaFayette).

“K2 is a new, more dangerous form of marijuana, which has long been known as a gateway drug," Neal said.  "We need to get ahead of this issue before it becomes a major problem.”

The Georgia Poison Center has said K2 is often sold as incense, Neal said.

It is made from a mixture of herbs and spice plants that are sprayed with a potent psychotropic drug and likely contaminated with an unknown and potentially dangerous toxic substance, he said.

The Georgia Poison Center has fielded nearly 20 calls since January from patients with symptoms caused by K2 who need emergency care, Neal said.  Side effects of K2 include high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, and respiratory illness, he said.

“K2 and other similar ‘herbal incenses’ have already sent numerous Georgians to emergency rooms,” said Dr. Gaylord Lopez, director of the Georgia Poison Center, in a press release issued by Neal.  “HB 1309 closes a dangerous loophole and will save lives.”

Kansas and Missouri are working on similar legislation.

-Nancy Badertscher