It’s not uncommon for new drugs or synthetic substances to come along that pose a danger to users. But it’s a little less often that a substance causes such a stir that it gains popularity quickly among new users.
K2, also known as “Legal Weed” or “Spice” is not new, but there is a new craze for it right now. It was created in the mid 90′s by a Clemson University chemist. The chemical, similar to pot, can be sprayed on herbs, flowers, and tobacco leaves, and smoked. It was picked up and used right away by some pot users that were looking for the same effects as marijuana. However, it was not until this year that is became a part of the teen scene.
The Popularity of K2
K2 is growing in popularity quickly. This year, more than 1259 calls have been made to poison control centers about this substance, compared to 14 calls last year, according to the American Association of Poison Control Centers. Last year, no one knew about the drug, and this year, experimenters are finding themselves in the emergency room with symptoms like high temperatures, racing heartbeat, and high blood pressure. It has many of the same effects on the user are marijuana, it is cheaper than marijuana, it is hard to detect, and it is still legal in 39 states.
The Debate over Banning
In a world where there is such a debate over the legalization of pot, K2 will most likely add to that debate. Already, because of the negative side effects and the rush for young people to get their hands on K2, 11 states have banned it. However, the way this drug can be marketed makes it hard to regulate. It can be sprayed on herbs and sold under different names, or marketed as incense or even bath salts, making it hard to monitor.
For those people that are pushing for the legalization of marijuana, K2 is an easy alternative. They argue that you can’t control every substance that comes along, so these less potent drugs should be left alone so people can have a good time.
Negative Effects of K2
There are a few problems with K2. First of all, people are not using it responsibly if they are making calls to poison control about it or visiting ERs because of it. Secondly, the spike in popularity itself is cause for concern. Just like many of the other trends that teens find for fun, there is the possibility for it to become a misused substance very quickly, if it isn’t already. Thirdly, this substance is known for its contaminants. There is sometimes no telling what all is in a batch of K2.
The most important thing is for people to be educated about the dangers of this and all substances. Sometimes the fact that things are legal makes people forget that they can still be harmful. It should not be necessary for the government to make something illegal before people realize the dangers of abusing any drug.
