Missouri Becomes Eighth State to Ban K2 Synthetic Marijuana
The substance is known as K2, Spice, Demon or Genie. It’s sometimes sold in gas stations, coffee shops, head shops and the Internet. And in eight states, it’s illegal.
The substance is synthetic marijuana, made with chemicals that mimic the effects of THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, the New York Times reports. Marketers call it incense in an attempt to avoid federal regulation. Last week, Missouri became the eighth state to ban the ingredient in K2 as concerns increase about its effects.
Some users have had elevated heart rates, paranoia, vomiting and hallucinations, and one Iowa youth committed suicide after smoking K2, the story says.
The Clemson University chemist who developed the active ingredients in K2, John Huffman, says the effects have not been studied and the substance could have toxic effects. Some physicians with expertise in emergency medicine are also expressing concern.
They include Dr. Anthony Scalzo, a professor of emergency medicine at St. Louis University who is researching the effects of K2. “I don’t know how many people are going for a box of doughnuts after smoking K2, but they’re sure getting some other symptoms,” he told the Times. “These are very anxious, agitated people that are requiring several doses of sedatives.”
