Synthetic drug raises safety questions

    The state of Iowa?s Drug Policy Coordinator Gary Kendell has issued a warning about a new substance known as ?K2? or ?Spice.? In a press release from last week, Kendell said that K2 is an olive-colored plant material that is smoked and produces effects such as anxiety, panic attacks, agitation, hallucinations and seizures.

    Kendell stated that K2 is often sold as an herbal incense mixture and that it contains synthetic compounds that stimulate the same areas of the brain as marijuana. There is no federal law banning the sale or possession of K2, and the Iowa Legislature has not enacted a statewide ban, either. However, Kendell noted that he and others in drug enforcement are lobbying for a ban on the substance.  

    ?While most of these types of products are currently unregulated, in my opinion the effects they reportedly have on users are cause for concern,? said Kendell in the press release. ?Safety must come first, and I will ask Governor Culver and the Legislature to make these types of products a schedule one controlled substance under Iowa law, effectively banning the sale or use of them in our state. I?m also in conversation with members of Iowa?s congressional delegation about considering a federal ban.?

    Washington Police Chief Greg Goodman said that he and his officers are aware of K2 and that they are ?keeping an eye on it.?

    ?Just because a substance is legal does not mean it is safe,? remarked Goodman. ?When you mix chemicals together to create a euphoric sensation, it can be dangerous.?

    Goodman said that he has not personally dealt with the drug or with people who have used the drug, although he did mention that a person on probation recently asked if he could sell K2. The request was denied.       

    Washington County Sheriff Jerry Dunbar said that K2 is classified as a ?drug of interest? because it is being studied for its effects and its chemical compounds. He said there has been one confirmed case of its use in Washington County, which occurred about a month ago.

    ?From what I?ve been told, K2 does different things to different people,? said Dunbar. ?Some people say it causes hallucinations, others say it makes people hyper, and others say it relaxes them.?

    Goodman remarked that K2 is not the only legal drug that is worrisome. He said there have been reports of teenagers abusing prescription drugs at parties.

    ?People bring prescription medications to a party, throw them in a bowl with other pills and then take a handful of the medications,? said Goodman. ?It is pretty scary stuff, because those kids don?t know what medications they?re taking. It?s important for parents to pay attention to this kind of thing.?

    Washington County Attorney Barb Edmondson said she has not seen any cases involving K2. She said she supports the efforts to ban the substance.

    ?It needs to be controlled,? said Edmondson. ?I hope the state Legislature takes action no later than next year.?

For more, see our June 25 print edition.