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Illinois passed a law banning K2 (a synthetic incense or potpourri) by amending the Illinois Controlled Substances Act (720 ILCS 570/204) to include the ingredients found in synthetic cannabis. The ban on Spice went into effect January 1, 2011. It is a felony offense to buy, sell or possess the synthetic marijuana product in Illinois.

What are Class 4 Felony Penalties?

An individual who is charged with illegally possessing synthetic marijuana could face Class 4 felony penalties in Illinois if convicted. Class 4 felony penalties may include a prison term of one to three years and fines up to $25,000.  Those convicted of a Class 4 felony may also face mandatory drug testing, counseling and probation.

What is its origin?

Manufacturers of this product are not regulated and are often unknown since these products are purchased via the Internet whether wholesale or retail. Several websites that sell the product are based in China. Some products may contain an herb called damiana, which is native to Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

What are common street names?

Bilss, Black Mamba, Bombay Blue, Fake Weed, Genie, Spice, Zohai

What does it look like?

K2 is typically sold in small, silvery plastic bags of dried leaves and marketed as incense that can be smoked. It is said to resemble potpourri.

How is it abused?

K2 products are usually smoked in joints or pipes, but some users make it into a tea.

What is its effect on the mind?

Psychological effects are similar to those of marijuana and include paranoia, panic attacks, and giddiness.

What is its effect on the body?

Physiological effects of K2 include increased heart rate and increase of blood pressure. It appears to be stored in the body for long periods of time, and therefore the long-term effects on humans are not fully known.

Which drugs cause similar effects?

Marijuana

What is its legal status in the United States?

On Tuesday, March 1, 2011, DEA published a final order in the Federal Register temporarily placing five synthetic cannabinoids into Schedule I of the CSA. The order became effective on March 1, 2011.  The substances placed into Schedule I are 1-pentyl-3-(1-naphthoyl) indole (JWH-018), 1-butyl-3-(1-naphthoyl) indole (JWH-073), 1-[2-(4-morpholinyl)ethyl]-3-(1-naphthoyl)indole (JWH-200), 5-(1,1-dimethylheptyl)-2-[(1R,3S)-3-hydroxycyclohexyl]-phenol (CP-47,497), and 5-(1,1-dimethyloctyl)-2-[(1R,3S)-3-hydroxycyclohexyl]-phenol (cannabicyclohexanol; CP-47,497C8 homologue).  This action is based on a finding by the Administrator that the placement of these synthetic cannabinoids into Schedule I of the CSA is necessary to avoid an imminent hazard to the public safety. As a result of this order, the full effect of the CSA and its implementing regulations including criminal, civil and administrative penalties, sanctions, and regulatory controls of Schedule I substances will be imposed on the manufacture, distribution, possession, importation, and exportation of these synthetic cannabinoids.

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