There is a new ‘Synthetic Marijuana? being legally sold and possessed in Michigan, the drug, sold as K2, but also known as ‘Spice? ‘Genie? ‘Fire & Ice? and other street names, has the potential to cause serious health issues in those who use it.
The effect when smoked is reported as an intense high similar to that of marijuana. The material is a combination of herbs and spices, sprayed with a synthetic compound chemically similar to THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana.
The side effects of this drug may be deadly, although no deaths have been reported connected to this substance.
The Lake Orion Police Department and the North Oakland Community Coalition are working with our lawmakers in Lansing to consider legislation banning this substance before long term damage is done.
Several states including Kansas and Missouri have legislation pending, to add this drug to their list of banned substances.
The packaging itself advises ‘Not for Human Consumption? and is marketed as an herbal incense.
However, it is widely consumed by smoking across the United States, in Michigan and now in the Orion area as a ‘legal? form of marijuana ? The Lake Orion Police Department in conjunction with the North Oakland Community Coalition is urging your immediate attention to this matter, and asks that you have open and honest communication with your children on the dangers of this, as of now, legal substance.
Please consider the following as family talking points on this hazard ?
? The material is a potpourri type mixture of unknown materials
? The known chemicals applied are now banned in most of Europe, but are not regulated in the United States. Little is known on the effects these chemicals have on humans.
? There is no way to know what ‘unknown? chemicals are also being added to the mixture.
? There are new reports in the Metro Detroit area of teens being treated for vomiting, panic attacks and other disorders associated with the use of K2.
? The high associated with K2 would easily cause impaired driving and a greatly increase the potential of youth involved – serious traffic crashes and injuries.
? Absolutely no one knows the long term effect that ingesting these chemicals will have on the human body.
? As of today, a ten year old child could legally purchase this product from any store that sells it.
? The Lake Orion Police Department is in the process of determining retail locations in the Orion Area that is now selling, or considering future sales of these products, with the intent on obtaining a mutual and combined voluntary effort to eliminate these products in Lake Orion.
? Additional information may be found on the internet as well as by calling your local police department, or Community Coalition.
Sincerely, Jerry L. Narsh,LOPD
Julie Brenner, NOCC