On October 14, 2010 the Oregon State Board of Pharmacy completed its evaluation of the “synthetic marijuana” that is sold in shops as “Spice” or “K2.” These substances were first marketed as incense in 2008, but have come to be widely used as a substitute for marijuana. These “synthetic cannabinoids” were developed for research purposes but have not been approved for human consumption by the Food and Drug Administration.
The Board found numerous instances of persons suffering from hallucinations, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, seizures and vomiting among people smoking the “incense.” Given the risk to public health, the Oregon Board classified synthetic marijuana as a Schedule 1 controlled substance, meaning that the substance has no legitimate medical use. The rule took effect on October 15, 2010.
This action effectively makes the possession of any amount of “spice” a Class B Felony, subject to the same penalties for the possession of substances such as heroin.
On November 24, 2010, the Federal Drug Enforcement Administration filed a notice of intent to make a temporary rule placing synthetic marijuana in Schedule 1, making possession of the substance illegal under federal law. The new rule takes effect 30 days from the date of the announcement and will remain in effect for one year while Congress decides whether or not to make the changes permanent,
As Oregon Drug Lawyers we at James F. O’Rourke, Jr. And Associates have over thirty years of experience representing persons accused of drug crimes in State and Federal Courts.
By James F. O’Rourke Jr.
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