Synthetic pot, 'bath salts' criminalized in Virginia

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By Bill Sizemore
Julian Walker
The Virginian-Pilot
© February 27, 2011

The General Assembly has unanimously approved legislation to criminalize the possession and distribution of synthetic marijuana, and added in so-called "bath salts" for good measure.

Both are designer drugs.

Synthetic marijuana, commonly known as "Spice" or "K2," is an intoxicant that consists of chemically treated plant matter that produces a high similar to marijuana when smoked. The measures that cleared the legislature Saturday make possession of the drug a misdemeanor and selling it a felony. A person convicted of manufacturing the drug could face a 30-year prison sentence under the new law.

Bath salts, meanwhile, is an alias for a psychoactive drug sold under names such as "Cloud 9" or "Ivory Wave." The adopted legislation classifies bath salts with federally controlled Schedule 1 drugs such as heroin and LSD.

The legislation contains an emergency clause, meaning it will take effect once Gov. Bob McDonnell signs it.

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Legalize it

Submitted by choochoo17 on Mon, 02/28/2011 at 2:24 pm.

The only reason (imo) that they haven't legalized it is they can't figure out a way to control it and tax it so they are the only "supplier". If they can't get the lions share of profit, they don't want anyone to have it. And before the prudes start hating on me, I've never smoked pot and probably wouldn't even if it was one day legalized.

Our penal system needs a

Submitted by ashbash584 on Mon, 02/28/2011 at 2:17 pm.

Our penal system needs a major overhaul as it is and these petty drug laws aren't helping matters. The authorities will never be able to keep up with K2 incense and the like as it is ever-changing. Places like, http://www.k2incense.org have K2 herb products that aren't forbidden under any current bans. It is bonkers the money and effort they are putting into these bans when apparently people can still legally buy k2 smoke if they want to!

Yes it is still labeled as

Submitted by shaneg43121 on Mon, 02/28/2011 at 5:29 pm.

Yes it is still labeled as "K2" but its (initial) selling point was a SYNTHETIC cannibanoid - JWH-018 (And a slew of other JWH compounds that the DEA has put a 'ban' on)

I think now that the synthetic cannibanoid(s) have been 'banned' it will drive this market further into the underground. The same way that it has done it to cannabis.

While Im not opposed to banning the synthetics, the NATURAL plants prohibition is what has me scratching my head. (Even the NON THC FORMING HEMP)

Take a closer look

Submitted by shaneg43121 on Sun, 02/27/2011 at 4:04 pm.

Take a closer look at some of the individuals responsible for the passing of these bills. They are the same ones who shut down the decrim and medical bills as well. ALL of them are affiliated with a law firm dealing with - you guessed it. Criminal Defense.

Precisely

Submitted by Daoine on Sun, 02/27/2011 at 11:03 pm.

Look at the people that pass those bills and whom they are beholden to. Research the legislation that was passed 80 years ago by bought-out paid shills on behalf of pharma and plastic corporations. Why? Hemp happens to be a weed- a very fast growing crop that was used for rope, flooring,clothes, medicinal therapies for years until it was effectively daemonized in the early 1900's by forces that have reaped countless millions of dollars in revenue, not limited to the (police) state's right to confiscate property because of a few joints present.And ruin lives.
There's no money in having everybody growing a product that could be used by millions cheaply and without harm to the envirnment, surely plastics are the way to go.

All of them

Submitted by suffolksplit on Sun, 02/27/2011 at 4:27 pm.

Almost everyone on both sides supports this stuff and opposes legalizing pot.

Never changes

Submitted by suffolksplit on Sun, 02/27/2011 at 2:47 pm.

I have never seen a subject in my lifetime where the lawmakers continue to unilaterally ignore the views of the people so consistently. As you read the posting made by people of diverse beliefs in other areas, the theme is obvious. Legalize pot. Free up the cops to go catch real criminals and empty the cells to give them a place to put them.

I wonder

Submitted by truthseeker on Sun, 02/27/2011 at 2:42 pm.

How many people will be laid off in order to pay for this new prohibition. I may be an old (expression of flatulance), but I feel Mary Juanna should be regulated, taxed and sold just as alcohol is.

Thanks Guys

Submitted by suffolksplit on Sun, 02/27/2011 at 2:06 pm.

My favorite drug dealer really appreciates this. I'm sure he will be paying hefty taxes on his increased income.

legalization of marijuana

Submitted by bigjbaby on Sun, 02/27/2011 at 12:43 pm.

What do you all think of the legalization of marijuana? I think there are pros and cons to this argument? I would support it but I think it would be a smack in the face to people who have died in war on drugs? I haven't seen a more appropriate forum to ask this question.