Feds Ban Fake Pot

Following the lead of at least 16 states, the Drug Enforcement Agency has banned fake marijuana products, also referred to as “spice”. The substance has made headlines over the past few years due to its popularity and resulting harms. Though the chemicals used in the products are said to mimic the active components in marijuana, they’ve causes some serious reactions that are completely unheard of with the real thing.

According to NPR, the government is banning the chemicals present in these products for a year to study them more closely and determine if a permanent ban is warranted. But some aren’t sure the temporary ban will do the trick because simply altering one molecule and changing the active chemical could allow manufacturer’s to get around the ban altogether.

The man who developed the formula for research purposes has said to the press that he has never advocated human consumption of the ingredients and instead has said “Do not use this stuff. We don’t know how toxic it is.”

The DEA, some states, and emergency rooms have reported side effects of vomiting, convulsions, anxiety attacks, elevated heart rates, and even hallucinations.

Spice has been particularly popular among the young as it provided a legal, cheap high that could be found at tobacco stores and even local gas stations. But following state bans on the substances, the product has gone underground.

Drug laws are in a constant state of flux. While the largely ineffective Drug War rages on states scramble to balance the tough on crime attitude with lack of money, often leading to lighter sentences and prison alternatives to drug offenders.

Many states have yet to act on the fake marijuana products out there; but those who have are eager to make examples out of people breaking the new laws.

Whether you are facing drug charges for possessing a synthetic drug like spice or the real thing, an experienced defense lawyer can help you make sense of the charges against you and your potential options.  Contact us to speak with a criminal defense attorney.

About David Matson