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| Representative announces bill for K2 |
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| News - Spring Hill | |||
| Written by Chase Jordan | |||
| Wednesday, 03 February 2010 08:00 | |||
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A new bill was recently announced about the use of unregulated synthetic drugs in Kansas, including two found in a smokable product known as K2. Rep. Rob Olson of Olathe announced the bill in January after working with law enforcement officers. While working with officers, he learned about two chemicals — JWH-018 and JWH-073. According to a press release from Olson, the chemicals are similar to chemicals found in marijuana. “There is so much that is unknown about these and other unregulated synthetic drugs,” Olson said in a release. “To hear that K2 is becoming more popular among high school students — that concerns me. So many times a kid will start out with minor drug usage that leads to a lifetime of addiction.” Olson said his goal is to pass legislation to prevent youth from using the drug. House Bill 2411 would make the possession, use, sale and possession with the intent to sell of K2 and other products containing synthetic cannabinoids illegal in Kansas. After the use of K2 increased in the fall, Johnson County Sheriff’s Master Deputy Chris Farkes asked to have the drug analyzed. “It’s very concerning because the students don’t know what they’re getting,” Farkes said. “They think it’s harmless, but someone who uses K2 then drives a car or operates heavy machinery could put themselves and others in serious danger,” Farkes said in a release. He said K2 is popular with former convicts on probation trying to avoid positive drug tests. Jeremy Morris, Johnson County forensic scientist, said the herbal product has more intoxicating effects than tetrahydrocannadbinol (THC) — a chemical in marijuana. “The effects of THC happen when the chemical binds with receptors in the user’s brain, like a key fitting into a lock,” Morris explained in a release. “JWH-018 and JWH-073 are better keys than THC, and therefore, it takes less of them to get you high — and that high will last longer. K2 takes all of the negative effects of THC and heightens them.” Morris is also concerned about the long-term effects of the drug. “Whenever we take a drug, or a drug product is smoked, the burning process converts the original chemicals in the product into a host of new combustion products,” Morris said. “Those who’ve studied these synthetic cannabinoids are concerned that, when smoked, some of the combustion products could cause cancer,” Morris said. Several countries have banned the sale of synthetic cannabinids. Some of them include Argentina, Canada, Poland and Russia. Kansas is the first state to consider similar legislation. Mitchell Hofmann, Spring Hill chief of police, and Sgt. Brian Holmes said they have not had incidents involving K2 in Spring Hill. “What we’re finding right now to be the biggest problem is prescription drug use,” Holmes said. Holmes said they have several ongoing investigations involving narcotics, and they are working to build a case for an arrest. “Everyone thinks narcotics investigations move swiftly, but it takes time to build something in court, unlike what you see on TV,” Holmes said.
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