Synthetic Marijuana
A recent bust in Dothan recovered large quantities of synthetic marijuana, along cocaine, other drugs and a gun. As a result of the search warrant, the officers uncovered 143 10-gram packages of the synthetic drug, along with a large garbage bag full of loose synthetic marijuana.
Synthetic cannabinoids
Synthetic cannabinoids (or synthetic marijuana) refers to the man-made, mind-altering chemicals that are becoming increasingly popular. These drugs are either sprayed on dried, shredded plant material so they can be smoked or sold as liquids to be vaporized and inhaled in e-cigarettes and other devices. These drugs are called cannabinoids because they are related to the chemicals found in the marijuana plant.
The problem with these synthetic drugs
For this reason, these chemicals are being falsely referred to as “synthetic marijuana” and misleadingly marketed as a safe and legal alternative to marijuana. However, the effect on the brain is much more powerful than marijuana. In fact, the actual effects are more unpredictable and often more severe.
More false advertising
These synthetic cannabinoid products are often labeled “not for human consumption,” while claiming that they contain “natural” material taken from a variety of plants. The reality is, the only part that is natural is the dried plant material. Based on chemical tests on these products, the active, mind-altering ingredients are cannabinoid compounds made entirely in laboratories.
Synthetic “marijuana” is unregulated
Synthetic cannabinoids are part of a category of drugs called “new psychoactive substances” (NPS). “Psychoactive” means mind-altering. NPS are unregulated psychoactive substances that have recently become available on the market and are intended to mimic the effects of illegal drugs.
If you have questions regarding drug charges, or any other criminal defense matters, please contact Ketcham Law by calling us at (205) 296-4233.
