Synthetic marijuana, also known as fake pot, is a psychoactive herbal product that mimics the effects of cannabis. It is widely sold in gas stations and convenience stores marketed under the names “Mr. Nice Guy,” “Spice,” and “K2.”
The herbs are sold as incense in small packets positioned on sales racks beside pipes and bongs, marketing it with other drug paraphernalia. The substance is usually some variety of herbal plants that have been sprayed with a chemical that is meant to mimic the effect of the active ingredient in marijuana, THC.
It seems that the health risks of this chemical tend to be greater than originally thought. Some studies suggest that the “high” triggered by the chemical is associated with acute psychosis, worsening of psychotic disorders, and could trigger chronic psychotic disorder among users with a history of mental illness.
The substance has led to a trail of emergency room visits and possible deaths, which is leading legislatures to call for a ban on the substance. Florida seems to be following suit with Kansas, Alabama, Tennessee, and Missouri, who have already passed state laws making it illegal.
Other side effects include:
- Sleepiness
- Paranoia
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Agitation
- Abnormally fast heartbeat
- Hallucinations
- Heart Dysrhythmia
Florida Representative Clay Ingram is pushing to have the chemical compounds placed on the restricted substances list. Under the new law, possession, manufacture or sale of the drug could be a third degree felony in Florida depending on how much of the drug you were arrested with.
If you find yourself facing drug possession charges, make sure you contact an experienced Miami criminal defense lawyer. Call Yale Galanter at (305)576-0244 or (954)524-6600 or visit galanterlaw.com.
Galanter law is comprised of Miami drug defense attorneys well versed in Florida drug laws, with experience in the following areas: