K-2 Banned In Sharp County

The Sharp County Quorum Court on May 9th voted unanimously Monday to make the substance illegal in the county. With the passing the ordinance goes into effect immediately.  

K-2 is also known as “Spice,” and is a mixture of herbs that are sprayed with a synthetic THC which is an active ingredient in marijuana.  Manufactured in Asia and sold online or in local stores, K2 and similar substances are marketed as herbal incense. A disclaimer on a K2-selling Web site reads: “K2Herbal products are novelty incenses and are not for consumption.”  Sold in various flavors in 3-gram bags, the product consists of herbs that are sprayed with synthetic substances that mimic THC, the high-causing natural chemical found in marijuana.

During the public comments portion of the quorum court meeting, prior to passing the ordinance, local store owner Robin Baker spoke to the court. He first blamed the media for their coverage on K2 related incidents and then blamed parents. Baker, said, “The parents just need to do their job.” He then went through naming several chemical compounds in his attempt to keep the court from passing the ordinance. Baker maintained not only that K2 is comprised of herbs, but that it is not harmful, and there has been no testing on the compound. He also took a poll prior to the meeting gathering signatures of “over 30 adult registered voters,” who he said felt it shouldn’t be banned. Baker said, “These people have a choice what they want to ingest.” He explained the compound wasn’t meant to be smoked.

Justice Burton explained to Baker that 15 years ago, there was no research to indicate smoking marijuana posed health hazards, now there is medical proof it causes birth defects, among other things. Burton said, “We do not want to wait another 15 years to see the long term results of this.” The court voted unanimously to be proactive in passing the emergency ordinance, which after three readings was put into effect immediately.