Alternative to marijuana finds market nationwide
Brian Bernadel
A new alternative to marijuana, JWH-018, commonly known as “Spice” is being sold legally in novelty stores and head shops all over Arizona. “This is a drug of concern,” said Ramona Sanchez, the public information officer for the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA).
Sanchez stated that spice has similarities to marijuana.
“Spice is sold as an herbal incense blend and contains chemicals that mimic the active drug in marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).”
JWH-018 is just one of hundreds of synthetic cannibinoids that have been created.
“Most spice brands like K-2 have not yet been federally controlled, except HU-210,” said Sanchez.
“HU-210 has been proven to mimic THC, which is a schedule 1 psychoactive drug then it violates the current federal laws.”
“The DEA has not really had much time to have their forensic chemists investigate and identify these compounds and what they are,” said Sanchez.
She said there are eight steps to determine if a drug should be classified as a psychoactive drug which they are currently testing.
“I know that Germany and some other European countries have already banned the sale of this stuff and I understand Utah, Missouri, and Kentucky are also considering statewide bans,” Sanchez said.
Sanchez said that she has heard of many reported cases of overdose from the use of spice.
“People are playing russian roulette with these products because we don’t know who is making them, and they could have been made in a backstreet alley for all they know,” said Sanchez.
Dr. Michael Levine, a toxicologist at Banner Good Samaritan Poison and Drug Information Center explained what the indicators were to the herbs overdoes.
“Overdose symptoms include but are not limited to nausea, vomiting, and elevated heart rate.
This new drug binds to the cannibinoid receptors and the toxicity level is relatively benign,” Levine said.
A small amount that may not cause symptoms in one person may be toxic to another.
“One big problem is that there is no quality assurance or distribution regulation for the producers of these products,” said Levine.
The owner of a smoke shop in Mesa who wished to remain anonymous expressed his approval of the herb.
“I think this stuff is relatively safe if used in moderation. too much of anything is bad.
“If I drank too much water at once, I could die from that,” the owner said.
All products sold also have the words “not for human consumption” clearly displayed.
Soko Gibson, an MCC student, said she tried spice in July for the first time.
She had received a free sample of “lights out” from a friend in a tiny Zip Lock bag.
Gibson admitted that it got her “high” but that it was a legal way to get “high.”
“I actually think it may have some medical qualities,” said Gibson. “It does help with headaches and migraines during menstrual periods.”
Gibson also admitted that some brands could cause headaches.
She expressed her dissatisfaction on the stereotypes put on smokers of hallucinogenic herbs.
“I think people commonly misbelieve that people who smoke are just stupid lazy stoners and in fact we are often the most productive members of society.
