After Legalization, the Law Now Requires That Any Sample Used As Evidence in an Adult Case Be Tested for THC Levels. EVERETT - Sure, marijuana is legal now, for the most part. However, enough criminal cases still involve the drug that the Washington State Patrol has increased the number of scientists with special training needed to analyze its chemical compounds, from one to seven. None of them work at the lab in Snohomish County. Before legalization, any Snohomish County police department could do a quick field test to scientifically confirm that seized plant materials were, in fact, marijuana. That step is required for prosecution. That so-called "leaf test" was standard since the 1970s, said George Johnston, a manager for the state crime laboratory. [continues 401 words]
Everett police are taking a proactive approach to warn about the dangers of synthetics, which mimic hard drugs but can be more toxic. They won't scent a steamy tub with lavender, but they could cause organ failure and profuse bleeding. That's right -- bath salts have come to Snohomish County. An Everett man was named in federal court last month as the suspected ringleader in the mass distribution of "bath salts," a street name for chemical compounds that mimic hard drugs. Bath salts also were linked to a homicide and suicide during a police chase near Olympia in April. [continues 420 words]
