Accessibility menu
State Representative Tim Kelly
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-8635
For more information contact: Jason Wenisch 651-296-2317
NEWS COLUMN
IT’S TIME TO ELIMINATE SYNTHETIC MARIJUANA
Have you heard of synthetic marijuana? Most of us haven’t, but many teenagers not only have heard of it but are using this addictive and potentially lethal drug.
Synthetic marijuana is sold as herbal incense in tobacco shops and labeled "not for human consumption," but those who typically look for it want to use it as a drug. It’s made up of herbs and synthetic compounds that are similar to the natural chemical found in marijuana, and delivers a similar high, but can cause more serious reactions than regular pot, such as heart damage, seizures and severe delusions. A Hastings boy nearly died after using the drug.
Recently, we learned more about the dangers of this drug in the House Public Safety Committee. The executive director of the state’s pharmacy board – who happens to be from Goodhue County – testified before the committee and explained the drug’s dangers and the need to remove it from store shelves. Thanks to his testimony, a bill banning synthetic marijuana in Minnesota passed our committee unanimously.
Synthetic marijuana usage is growing at a rapid rate both in Minnesota and across the nation. A recent article noted that more than 2,000 calls had been made to poison control last year, up from 14 calls in 2009.
So far, 16 states have banned the drug. As part of Minnesota’s initiative, a person selling the drug could face up to one year in jail and a $3,000 fine. Possessing it carries a penalty of up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Drugs like this tie the hands of law enforcement. There’s little doubt a synthetic marijuana ban is needed, as its use is spreading rapidly among teens – and this could inevitably lead to fatal consequences.
News Items
- CONFERENCE COMMITTEES SHAPING IMPORTANT BILLS AT LEGISLATURE - (Posted: 2012-04-05 00:00:00)
- TAX RELIEF AND JOB CREATION BILL APPROVED IN MINNESOTA HOUSE - (Posted: 2012-03-22 00:00:00)
- MORE GOOD NEWS FOUND IN LATEST STATE BUDGET FORECAST - (Posted: 2012-03-06 00:00:00)
- Archived News Items
- Subscribe to RSS News Feeds
- Read more about RSS.