K-2 Spice Mimics The Effects Of Marijuana And Will Soon Be Illegal In Oklahoma

By Jamie McGriff, The News On 6

JENKS, OKLAHOMA -- While teachers are looking to make sure students have their assignments, law enforcement is looking for the latest drug problem that could show up on school campuses.

It's called K-2 or Spice. It is a blend of herbs that gives people a synthetic high similar to marijuana. Since it's so new, many are worried about the potential harm this will have on smokers.

"It mimics the effects of marijuana and that people feel the sense of euphoria when they use it," said Paula Lau with Jenks Public Schools.

But this blend of herbs and spices is getting around. In March, the Edmond Police Department says a 16-year-old Edmond North High School student used K-2 to get high.

He was cited for public intoxication.

Police say some stores market K-2 as incense.

"It does just smell like incense. It doesn't have that heavy distinguishable smell that pot does," said Paula Lau.

Right now, K-2 or "Spice" is legal, but not for long.

"Before this becomes a big problem, then we need to nip this in the bud as fast as possible," said State Representative David Derby (R) of Owasso.

Derby is a former forensic chemist. He says the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs told him about K-2.

"It was showing up down south, southwest, down in the Lawton area, Fort Sill," said David Derby.

After doing more research, Derby found the real problem.

"There are four active components of the K-2 smoking blend, and it's actually a spray," said David Derby.

He proposed House Bill 3241 making the chemicals in K-2 illegal.

"It will be illegal for any business in the state of Oklahoma to sell K-2 smoking blend, or you will be charged with the full weight of the law," said David Derby.

It's already been passed by the state House and state Senate and was signed into law by Governor Brad Henry but it doesn't go into effect until November 1, 2010.

Until then parents are asked to continue spreading the word.

"They need to understand and again I'm just speculating that it could be a gateway drug that will lead your kids down a road and into company of people that might introduce them to much harder drugs," said Paula Lau.