Mark Herring, Virginia State Senator

Senator Mark Herring (D-Loudoun and Fairfax) has introduced legislation for the 2011 General Assembly Session outlawing synthetic marijuana, a designer drug commonly referred to as “Spice” and “K2″. The bill would establish penalties for possession, sale, gift, distribution or possession with intent to sell, give or distribute the drug.

Produced in China and Korea, synthetic marijuana can be used and purchased legally in many areas of the country, including Virginia, and is currently being sold as an incense product at small convenience stores locally.

“The fact that these dangerous substances are legal in Virginia is unacceptable,” Herring said.  “The effects of synthetic marijuana are extremely harmful to those who use it. It is clear that usage of this gateway drug is on the rise among the youth in our community and in Virginia, and we need to confront this serious issue head on.”

Some of the drug’s most serious side effects include elevated blood pressure, elevated heart rate, hallucinations, and even coma or unconsciousness.  “Spice” or “K2″ has been linked to over 352 nationwide emergency room incidents including attempted suicides, extremely elevated heart rate/blood pressure, comas, seizures, and anxiety attacks.  The American Association of Poison Control Centers report over 1,500 overdoses nationally resulting from the use of synthetic marijuana in just the first nine months of this year.

Under the bill, punishment for possession and distribution of synthetic marijuana is largely in accord with the provisions for actual marijuana.

The National Drug Court Resource Center has identified the problem of synthetic marijuana as an “emerging issue”.  Many drug courts are experiencing a significant and disturbing surge in client’s use of synthetic marijuana.

“The widespread availability of synthetic marijuana in our communities means that anyone, including our youth, can walk into a store and purchase this product to get a legal high,” said Michelle White, President of the Virginia Drug Court Association, “These products are clearly labeled ‘not for human consumption’ making the use of them a serious threat to the health and well being of those that would use or abuse it.”

“Virginia Drug Courts are seeing an increase in the use of synthetic marijuana among participants, particularly youth enrolled in the juvenile drug courts, because the substance is not detected on a marijuana drug screen and remains readily and legally accessible,” White stated, “Now is the time for us to move to protect young people and the Virginia Drug Court Association urges the General Assembly to pass legislation to ban all synthetic marijuana products.”

Recently, the Leesburg Police Department called attention to the rise in possession of synthetic marijuana in the area. At least one case of using the drug has resulted in an overdose that required hospitalization in Loudoun.

“Synthetic marijuana is currently being sold legally in our community and does pose a serious health risk,” said Leesburg Police Chief Joseph Price, “Although the product is being marketed as incense, many of those purchasing it (teenagers and adults) are doing so to achieve a ‘legal high’ since currently it is not a violation in the Commonwealth.  It is also obvious that most store proprietors know how it is being used.”

“The Leesburg Police Department applauds Senator Herring on introducing legislation to address this public safety and public health issue and urge both the public and other members of the General Assembly to join him in passing this legislation.”

Ten states have already adopted similar legislation and many others are lining up to address the problem.