| Synthetic Marijuana I was the first member of the Virginia General Assembly to introduce a bill to outlaw synthetic marijuana, known to many as Spice. Marketed as potpourri or incense and with an appearance similar to dried herbs, Spice is sold in small vials or packets with the words "not for human consumption" inscribed in small print. Spice affects the brain in a similar manner to its illegal cousin, marijuana, but produces a more powerful high. When compared to the main ingredient in marijuana, THC, Spice is about 20 times more active.
Spice's deadly side effects may include seizures, elevated heart rate, loss of consciousness, severe agitation, pale skin, vomiting and can ultimately damage the central nervous system leading to respiratory failure and even death. While it is currently legal and easy to purchase in Virginia, it is not safe. The long term effects of Spice usage are unknown.
My efforts to ban Spice are supported by Rear Admiral Mark Boensel, Commander, Navy Region, Mid-Atlantic, who wrote me to urge my colleagues to support the bill, which he called "an important tool in the fight against these designer drugs." The Navy has made the use, possession, and distribution of these substances prohibited for our sailors, according to Admiral Boensel.
Five states have already banned Spice and another 10 states are considering passing similar laws due to increases in reported fatalities attributed to smoking the synthetic marijuana. Several other members of the House of Delegates have followed my lead and introduced similar measures that would make the sale, use or possession of Spice in Virginia illegal. My bill and others have been rolled into a single bill, HB 1434. I will keep you posted as the bill goes through the process in the House.
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