New and Controversial K2 Herbal Incense Being Banned in More States

Online, June 28, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Louisiana is looking to become the latest state to ban the controversial drug K2, or synthetic marijuana. More and more states are looking to ban this product as earlier this year Georgia, Texas, and Kansas passed bans. The Drug Enforcement Agency has classified K2 - also known as Spice - as a substance of concern, and several Arkansas cities and counties have outlawed the herbal mixture. Arkansas legislators last month endorsed a proposal to study the effects of "synthetic marijuana" on the health of young people. The sponsors want K2 classified as a Level 6 controlled substance, the same as marijuana, and the Legislature is expected to take up the proposal when lawmakers convene next year.

Synthetic marijuana, marketed as K2 or Spice, is an herbal substance sold as an incense or smoking material that remains legal in the United States. Though banned in most of Europe, K2's key ingredients have not been regulated in the United States. Stores across the country are being closed down for selling K2 as efforts to ban the product are put in place.K2 is sold online, in convenience stores and in herbal or spiritual shops, and is usually marketed as incense. The herbs, which sell for as much as $35 an ounce. Stores like TopK2.com will continue to sell the product in states where it is legal.