The street names vary: K2, Spice, Genie, fake marijuana. The chemical compositions vary as well, making synthetic cannabinoids dangerous for users because they don't know what mixture of chemicals and herbs comprise what is sold over the counter.
Regardless of their name or composition, synthetic cannabinoids are catching the attention of legislators across the country. National Conference of State Legislatures provides recently updated information on legislation related to synthetic cannabinoids.
"Texas lawmakers move to ban synthetic marijuana," an Associated Press article carried by the El Paso Times, explores legislation that seeks to ban chemicals that mimic THC.
"Texas lawmakers consider possible ban on forms of synthetic marijuana," from the Longview News-Journal, explains that municipal bans of synthetic cannabinoids already in effect haven't stopped some teenagers from experimenting with K2.
Synthetic cannabinoids have also been addressed by the federal government, in a Drug Alert Watch from the U.S. Department of Justice and in a press release from November 2010, by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
Find bills filed during the 82nd Regular Session by searching "Synthetic Cannabinoids" on the Texas Legislature Online.
K2 isn't the only substance sold over the counter that people are using for marijuana- or cocaine-like highs. Although they are not synthetic cannabinoids, Salvia divinorum and some products sold as "bath salts" are catching the attention of law enforcement agencies and lawmakers.
To date, HB470, HB1011, and SB348, relating to Salvia divinorum, have been filed during the 82nd Regular Session. National Conference of State Legislatures provides a list of state laws on Salvia divinorum.
The Washington Post reports "Officials fear bath salts becoming the next big drug menace." Bath salts have also caught the attention of the federal government, and are explained in a recent Drug Alert Watch from the U.S. Department of Justice.
