Pubdate: Tue, 25 May 2010
Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution (GA)
Copyright: 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Contact: http://www.ajc.com/opinion/content/opinion/letters/sendletter.html
Website: http://www.ajc.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/28
Author: Andria Simmons
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)

GOVERNOR SIGNS BILL TO OUTLAW SYNTHETIC MARIJUANA

Gov. Sonny Perdue today announced that he has signed a bill to outlaw 
K2, also known as synthetic marijuana.

The substance sold at some local smoke shops became a subject of 
concern in March after two teens were hospitalized at North Fulton 
Medical Center with ill effects from smoking it. K2, also known as 
"spice," mimics the effects of THC, the chemical in marijuana.

Nearly a dozen states and some cities are banning or debating bans on 
K2 out of fear that its popularity may be on the rise among young 
people, according to USA Today.

HB 1309 in Georgia was sponsored by Rep. Jay Neal (R-Lafayette) and 
Sen. Ed Harbison (D-Columbus).

"K2 is a potent drug that can be difficult to detect," said Perdue. 
"Adding it to our state's banned substances list will protect 
Georgians' safety and health."
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom