Opinion Piece: Fake pot a potpourri of bad ideas

One thing I find interesting in this article is that it quotes a DEA agent who's basically telling you to ignore the "not for human consumption" label and encouaging you to smoke it anyway... that want you to smoke it so that they can say "hey look, we need to ban this, people are smoking it"...

So far we have no information that people are using this for anything but aromatherapy use, which is its intended purpose.

Fake pot a potpourri of bad ideas

Before the Milwaukee ban kicks in, I scored a pouch of fake pot this week.
And by scored I mean I walked into Shiraz Foods and Spices at Oakland and Locust and plunked down $29.99 for 3 grams. Completely legal. In fact, $1.83 extra went to the government in sales tax.
I wanted to see what this stuff looks and smells like. I poured some out of the silvery 4-inch-by-4-inch pouch. It was a greenish/goldish coarsely shredded plant material. It smelled like tea. When I put a match to it, it smelled like, I don't know, maybe some cheap incense tossed on burning leaves. Not an odor you'd need to hide from the neighbors.
But there was no way I was smoking this mystery mix.
In fact, right there on the pouch it says: "Not for consumption" and "For aromatherapy use only."

Click the link to read the rest...

Synthetic Pot Banned in Oregon and Arkansas

It was a crazy week as both Oregon and Arkansas decided to ban the crunk...

Synthetic pot banned in Oregon

An excerpt:

The Oregon Board of Pharmacy will make it illegal starting Friday to sell or possess synthetic cannabis.

The products, sold as incense under names including Spice, K2 and Yucatan Fire, have flown under the radar of law enforcement until recently. Smoking the incense has sent dozens of people to hospitals nationwide.

Follow the link to read the rest...

And-
Health board sets permanent ban on synthetic pot

an excerpt:

The state Board of Health voted unanimously today to make permanent Arkansas’ current temporary ban on the sale of synthetic marijuana products, effective Oct. 26. The board sent its order to Gov. Mike Beebe for his signature.
The permanent ban will replace a temporary ban the board enacted July 2 and is set to expire Oct. 29.
The state Department of Health on March 17 issued an advisory to physicians about possible side effects from synthetic cannabinoids — chemically treated herbs said to mimic the effects of marijuana. Products include incense sold by names such as K2, Spice, Genie, Blaze, Red X Dawn and Zohia.
The temporary ban has spread the message that synthetic marijuana and other illicit drugs are harmful...

Follow the link to read the rest...

Officials: Spice may be behind tobacco shop boom

Officials: Spice may be behind tobacco shop boom

Seems that tobacco shops are opening up everywhere in Jacksonville... but they don't sell all that much tobacco...

An excerpt:

In the same year the state banned smoking in restaurants and bars, a boom in tobacco shop openings in Jacksonville has some scratching their heads.
According to Jacksonville business license specialist Lee Humphrey, six businesses with “tobacco” in the name have opened already this year — two in the last week. About the same number opened between 1983 and 2009, according to city records.
A search of new corporations in the N.C. Secretary of State database shows no similar trend in other towns in the state.
Eddie Atalla, owner of the Tobacco Country USA cigar shop chain in Jacksonville, which opened in 1998, said the number of new openings he has observed this year is closer to 20.
And he believes he knows why.
“There aren’t any new smoking customers. Smoking is on the decline,” Atalla said. “Their profit is not coming from selling cigarettes but comes from selling other things that bring in a huge profit, such as spice, K2, salvia, etcetera.”

Follow the link to read the rest...

NMS Labs Now Performs Urine Tests For Metabolites Of Synthetic Cannabinoids Found In K2 And Spice

Update;  This article refers to a service by Dominion Diagnostics whereby you can mail them a urine sample and they will perform a mass spectrometer test on the urine sample, which is currently the only way to detect JWH-18 metabolites in urine.  At present there is no "dipstick" urine test for these compounds.  We've heard reports that probation officers are telling their probees that they have a dipstick test for Spice... the probation officers are lying...

so, enjoy, the party aint over yet...

NMS Labs Now Performs Urine Tests For Metabolites Of Synthetic Cannabinoids Found In K2 And Spice

This article does not mention false positives, and would seem to indicate that this test is 100% accurate... of course we all know that can't be so, and we'll be reporting here once we dig up the truth...

An excerpt:

Of growing concern to public health officials and law enforcement is that routine drug testing cannot detect the use of the popular and highly intoxicating new drugs K2 and Spice. NMS Labs now has a full menu of tests that can detect the use of the designer chemicals present in these products, sold as "incense" or "legal highs." A few weeks ago, NMS Labs launched a blood test to detect a range of these laboratory-designed synthetic drugs. Now NMS Labs has expanded the test's reach with the introduction of a urine test for synthetic cannabinoid metabolites of JWH-018 and JWH-073...

Follow the link to read the rest of this advertisement/propaganda...

Does marijuana really relieve pain?

Does marijuana really relieve pain?

From Canada.com, a new study proves scientifically that marijuana relieves pain.  Of course, authorities in the US have suspected this for a long time now, which is why the US government has not approved any study that would settle the question once and for all.  Good thing Canada has a bit more sense...

An excerpt:

The use of marijuana for a few carefully selected medical conditions has generated heated discussion, pitting those who favour legalization against those who warn about the undesired consequences of wider availability. Absent from much of the debate so far, however, is scientific evidence to establish whether marijuana really works to relieve chronic pain; and if it does, whether it does so in a manner that is distinct from simply providing the well-known high that has made it a popular recreational but illicit drug. This edition of HealthWatch takes a closer look at the burden of chronic pain and a recent study that has received a great deal of attention

Follow the link to read the rest...

The Moar You Know Vol 9

Because the moar you know, the moar money you get paid and the moar stuff you can buy...

Legal marijuana substitute, K2, still sold in Northeast Wisconsin
sell or possess synthetic cannabinoids, adopting an ordinance modeled after one recently approved in Eau Claire. In Green Bay, K2 remains legal. Police Lt. Bill Bongle recently checked on a report of a west-side business selling something he was told was …

Hidden Danger: Spice cigarettes are far from safe

These cigarettes actually contain synthetic cannabinoids, similar to THC, the active ingredient in marijuana. Unfortunately, these chemicals have a huge affect on the brain, and can be five times more potent than THC. In some respects you can call these ...

Hammond Council considering ban of synthetic pot
HAMMOND | City Council members tonight will consider an ordinance that would ban the sale of synthetic cannabinoids. Sponsored by 5th District Councilman Mike Opinker, the ordinance would ban the substances, popularly marketed as K2 and Spice.

Health board: ‘Spice’ ban could come this month
defined as “any substance containing synthetic cannabinoids.” If state legislation is passed, the county regulation would be repealed. “It’s only a stopgap measure,” Davis County Health Director Lewis Garrett said. Nelson had gone through the ...

Legal synthetic pot 'an opportunity to create jobs,' store owner says
Louisiana legislators banned the herbal blends and synthetic cannabinoids most recently, in June, and retailers worry Florida lawmakers quickly will follow suit. Brian Luczaj, who owns CK’s Secrets in Panama City and Condom Knowledge in Panama City …

Herbs and spices and nutmeg, oh my!

Herbs and spices and nutmeg, oh my! 

A nice editorial piece in the Indiana Daily Student. 

An excerpt:

 

Adam McFetridge 

It is truly astonishing what desperate kids can get high oin these days. 

A 16-year-old boy from Greenwood, Ind., is recovering from a seizure after Johnson County authorities say he smoked a mix of various herbs laced with a synthetic cannabinoid.Fittingly, the drug is called “spice.”

Follow the link to read the rest...

Poland Shutters Synthetic Drug Shops

Poland Shutters Synthetic Drug Shops

The Polish government is cracking down on the crunk!

An excerpt:

The Polish government announced Monday that it has shut down around a thousand stores that sold newly-emerging synthetic drugs, such as mephedrone and preparations containing synthetic cannabinoids (marketed under names like Spice and K2 in the US). It is also moving to amend its drug laws to cover such substances.

"The state will not flinch when it comes to using all legal means available in the struggle against these substances," Justice Minister Krzysztof Kwiatkowski told reporters Monday. "This is going to be a long and difficult fight because our opponent is extremely well-prepared, rich and determined," said Kwiatkowski.

Royal Castle Square, Warsaw

I don't know why they added that pic, but it's pretty so I'll keep it.  As always, follow the link to read the rest...

Exclusive: Business Owner Speaks About K2 Raid

Exclusive: Business Owner Speaks About K2 Raid

A store owner in Arkansas tried to get around the ban on K2 by selling his own concoction, and got arrested after selling to undercover cops.

An Excerpt:

Sykes spoke exclusively to 40/29 News about his arrest. He called the situation a misunderstanding.
"My understanding was that the law or the health bill said you could no longer sell K2," Sykes said. "K2 is a brand name."
Sykes said he based his understanding on a printout he found on the Arkansas Board of Health's website.
A visit to the agency's website turned up a three page document talking about the decision to ban synthetic marijuana. Page one states, "Synthetic marijuana products marketed under names such as K2 , Spice, Genie, Blaze, Red X, Dawn and Zohia commonly contain the substances JWH-018 and JWH-073." The document goes on to state, "The purpose of this rule is to prohibit the sale and distribution of synthetic marijuana products in Arkansas."
Grubbs said Sykes was mixing K2 with similar products and making his own concoction.
"By changing the formula that was in K2, I just like other manufacturers manufactured a new brand," Sykes said.

Follow the link to read the rest...

The Moar You Know Vol 8

Because the moar you know, the less I have to tell you...

Spice issue looms for state lawmakers 

SALT LAKE CITY -- A legislative advisory committee has agreed to recommend that Utah ban the herbal concoction called spice and perhaps make possession of it a class B misdemeanor, similar to marijuana. no read more

 Waukesha wants to ban sale of K2 "fake pot" 
Three cities already ban sale of K2 Waukesha is considering banning the sale of K2, joining a growing number of Wisconsin cities trying to get rid of what's described as "fake pot."

Spice a controversy in Idaho 
For once, sugar and Spice may not be everything nice. The aroma-therapeutic substance called Spice, also known as K2, Skunk...

Residents appeal to Ontario council about Spice 
ONTARIO — “Spice” took up most of the Ontario City Council’s work session Thursday as a number of residents appeared to ask the council to take action against the selling of the synthetic forms of cannabis or cannabinoids, for which there are now four outlets in Ontario.

DEA labels "spice" drug of concern 
The Drug Enforcement Agency has labeled "spice" as a drug of concern. Advertised as incense, people are smoking it to get high. Banned in 11 states now there's a grassroots effort in Moscow, Idaho to ban it there as well.

Synthetic Pot worries parents  

Add another easily-accessible drug to the list of things parents need to worry about. When smoked, a certain herbal incense in the United States produces similar yet more dangerous side-effects than marijuana. It has caught the attention of the Wayne County Drug & Alcohol Commission and state legislators in Harrisburg.

Opioids And Cannabinoids Influence Mobility Of Spermatozoids

Opioids And Cannabinoids Influence Mobility Of Spermatozoids

Ok, since I've been posting articles about how cannabinoids effect fertility and sperm motility, i thought I'd post this one too, about how both cannabinoids and opioids effect fertility.

An excerpt:

A PhD thesis from the University of the Basque Country has concluded that there are opioid and cannabinoid receptors in human sperm and that these influence the mobility of spermatozoid. The research by Mr Ekaitz Agirregoitia opens the door to more effective treatment of fertility problems.

Freshly released spermatozoids cannot achieve fertilisation, they must undergo some changes for this to occur. Amongst other, such changes take place due to receptors situated in the plasmatic membrane (the layer covering the cells) and opioid and cannabinoid receptors are two of these. On coming into contact with these, physiological reactions are generated in the body...

Wow... who knew... so I guess the gist of this is, if you want your puppies to swim happily, get them high, but not too high...

As always, follow the link to read the rest

The Moar You Know Vol 7

Because the moar you know, the less alligators eat you while you're not looking...

Military officials cope with new drug craze  

The Army has launched a crackdown on the drug spice at at least nine commands in response to a spike in usage among soldiers.

POLICE SEEK BAN ON LATEST 'HIGH'  

With names such as Spice, K2 and Genie, the small foil packets of incense sold at convenience stores and tobacco shops seem innocuous. But because of a family of synthetic additives, the herbal mixture mimics a marijuana high when smoked....

Concern over K2 growing as poison control groups see calls multiply  

Poison control centers in 48 states have received over 1,000 phone calls this year concerning adverse effects from synthetic marijuana or fake pot products, says a national report released last week.

'Legal weed,' K2 incense, readily available in Central Florida  

Authorities, drug experts worry the new generation weed products could be dangerous Incense and herbal smoking blends that mimic the high of marijuana are popping up in mom-and-pop convenience stores throughout Central Florida.

Pa. House passes bill to outlaw synthetic marijuana  

A bill that would outlaw K2 and other varieties of so-called synthetic marijuana in Pennsylvania was overwhelmingly approved in the state House on Tuesday by a vote of 198-1.

Jekyll and Hyde: Two Faces of Cannabinoid Signaling in Male and Female Fertility

Jekyll and Hyde: Two Faces of Cannabinoid Signaling in Male and Female Fertility  

Here's a really good article from the Journal of The Endocrine Society.  It's quite heavy reading, but I linked it here for anyone interested in how cannabinoids interact with the reproductive system.

An excerpt:

 Mammalian reproduction is a complicated process designed to diversify and strengthen the genetic complement of the offspring and to safeguard regulatory systems at various steps for propagating procreation. An emerging concept in mammalian reproduction is the role of endocannabinoids, a group of endogenously produced lipid mediators, that bind to and activate cannabinoid receptors. Although adverse effects of cannabinoids on fertility have been implicated for years, the mechanisms by which they exert these effects were not clearly understood. With the identification of cannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoid ligands, their key synthetic and hydrolytic pathways, and the generation of mouse models missing cannabinoid receptors, a wealth of information on the significance of cannabinoid/endocannabinoid signaling in spermatogenesis, fertilization, preimplantation embryo development, implantation, and postimplantation embryonic growth has been generated...

Follow the link to read the rest...

California eases penalty for marijuana possession

California Eases Penalty for Marijuana Posession

California passed a law today decriminalising marijuana possession.  Before you celebrate, you might want to note that this law only passed in anticipation of prop 19, the marijuana legalisation law, going into effect.  this little law will ensure that even if prop 19 passes, it will still be illegal to smoke in front of children or while driving.

An excerpt:

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. - California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) signed a bill Thursday that will downgrade possession of an ounce or less of marijuana from a misdemeanor to an infraction.
The measure will keep most marijuana-related cases from going to court, and Schwarzenegger cited the state's budget woes for his decision.

"Possession of less than an ounce of marijuana is an infraction in everything but name," he wrote in a signing message, adding, "In this time of drastic budget cuts, prosecutors, defense attorneys, law enforcement and the courts cannot afford to expend limited resources prosecuting a crime that carries the same punishment as a traffic ticket."

Follow the link to read the rest...

The Moar You Know Vol 6

Because, the Moar you Know you know moar than what you knew before and thats moar.  Or something...

Cannabinoid Drugs: Medical Uses for Synthetic "Marijuana"  

Nabilone (Cesamet) is a synthetic cannabinoid that mimics THC. It is used therapeutically to releave pain and nausea. Sativex is an nasal spray ...

Synthetic Cannabinoid User Survey
With the Synthetic Cannabinoid User Survey, we are looking for information from people that have taken synthetic cannabinoid research chemicals. We are interested in ...

JWH-018,synthetic cannabinoid agonist ,Synthetic Cannabis ...
JWH-018,synthetic cannabinoid agonist ,Synthetic Cannabis found to be 4-5 times stronger then marijuana ,online procurement...

PhillyNORML addresses growing synthetic cannabinoid trend ...  

The article also reports that on Jan. 6th a small shipment of the ingredient that is the main synthetic cannabinoid in these new drugs, JWH-018, was also seized in Philadelphia.

[Mega]Synthetic Cannabinoid Discussion - Bluelight  

Focus Forums ... [Mega]Synthetic Cannabinoid Discussion Cannabis Discussion ... I guess this goes here since it is about chems with effects similar to MJ.