The day The Beacon ran a story about synthetic marijuana, the Oregon Board of Pharmacy banned Spice
By Elizabeth Vogel, Staff Writer -- vogel11@up.edu
The Beacon ran a story on Oct. 14 about synthetic marijuana products called Spice or K2. On the same day, the Oregon Board of Pharmacy enacted rules that make it illegal to possess or use these products.
As of Oct. 15, Spice, K2 and similar products are banned in the state of Oregon.
"Their misuse and abuse by young people have resulted in a number of serious incidents requiring emergency care and hospital admission or death. The abuse of these chemicals has the potential to cause a life-threatening incident," the Oregon Board of Pharmacy document on the new rules said.
Kristina Houck, University of Portland counselor, also showed concern about the product.
"I've read cases of increased heart rate, loss of consciousness and paranoia," she said.
According to the Oregon Poison Center, many people came to the Emergency Room as a result of using synthetic marijuana.
UP student "Alex" from the Oct. 14 article was surprised to hear about the new ban, but had no comment.
Senior Jessica Stacey is happy about the ban.
"I think it's good because it sounds more dangerous to put something made in a lab in your body rather than something natural," she said.
Oregon is the 13th state to pass legislation to ban synthetic cannabis.
According to a press release from the Oregon Board of Pharmacy, the ban allows law enforcement to prosecute both the sale and possession of synthetic cannabinoids, which are now on the Oregon list of controlled substances.
The reasons given for the ban were that the products are easily obtained by young people and are dangerous.
"There are no manufacturing standards for these chemicals, there is no current medical use, and there is documented evidence of serious medical consequences," the press release from the Board of Pharmacy said.
