One more thing for parents watch for - synthetic marijuana

[coriolis]

Federal authorities in Philadelphia seized parcels of a new drug containing synthetic cannabinoids at a UPS shipping facility last week. Users seek a marijuana-like high with the ability to pass a standard drug test. Technically they are fully legal and with no current prohibitions. The various preparations of these chemical cannabinoid substitutes are sold as “Spice” or “K2.”

Recreational use of the substances has been growing in popularity. The name “Spice” comes from the Frank Herbert Dune series of books. The chemicals are spread on random plant material and packaged sometimes as fragrant, mood affecting incense. Compared to the ubiquitous natural marijuana market though, these synthetics are fairly uncommon.

The wikipedia article below is pretty good.

http://www.examiner.com/norml-in-philad ... 2-or-spice
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synthetic_cannabis

[vbhoutex]

I know of people who have had experience with "spice" and it isn't a good thing at all. In fact the person I know about ended up back in rehab to stop using it. They already had a problem and then found this "legal" high. Do everything you can to keep your children and anyone you know away from this.

[Ptarmigan]

Addiction is very serious problem. It affects everyone from the addict, family members, and friends.

[vbhoutex]

Addiction is very serious problem. It affects everyone from the addict, family members, and friends.

Yes it does!!!

[coriolis]

From what I read, the active ingredient can be varied by the manufacturer. It appears that the original version has been banned in several countries and several states. New versions of the active ingredient are now supposedly not covered by the ban. So if the manufacturer keeps changing the ingredients to stay one step ahead of the law, sooner or later are they going to hit on a variation that is especially damaging to the users?

There are a number of people close to me who smoke this and also smoke the old fashioned stuff. I quit years ago when I got married and started a family. You can debate whether it should be legal, and you can debate whether it's moral. One thing for sure is that it's expensive. I never wanted to be in a position where the kids wouldn't get something that they needed because I bought a stash. Life is simpler and easier without it.

It's ironic that people smoke it to "relax" but once you acquire the habit, the desire to keep a steady supply certainly adds stress to your life.

[DaylilyDawn]

Well here in Polk County FL the Sheriff has said he will arrest people selling it. This week 23 people were arrested in a sweep for this.

[AmanziUK]

Hi ya Ed!

I must just add that the horrific drug issue is a world wide problem. Here in the UK the kids get their hands on all sorts of nasy stuff. I do hope they can get rid of all the rubbish that is available on the streets. Lives are being lost and families torn apart. Not good in any way shape or form.

[kevin]

We are winning the war on drugs

[kevin]

Its a good thing we have DARE to keep all of these kids off of drugs. I think of all police officers as literal heros. Thank you police officers for keeping me free and saving me from tyranny.

[kevin]

I would like to thank God for our men in uniform, whether they're in the Coast Guard, Navy, Airforce, Army, Merchant Marine, highway patrol officers, judges, prison wardens, and all the company of honorable men who keep this great blessed country of ours safe from the drug smokers.

[coriolis]

I'm locking this thread temporarily.