Archive for Wednesday, November 4, 2009
New, legal, drug has law enforcement concerned — and it’s already on a Lawrence store’s shelves
Legal substance prevalent in county, health official says
K2 is a legal, smokable herbal mixture with chemical properties similar to THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, a Johnson County Sheriff’s deputy said.
November 4, 2009
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New, legal, drug has law enforcement concerned — and it's already on a Lawrence store's shelves
It’s not marijuana, but some local law enforcement officials say K2 is very similar. It’s a legal, smokable herbal mixture moving across the nation and its already available in Lawrence. Enlarge video
It’s not marijuana, but some local law enforcement officials say it’s very similar.
It’s a legal, smokable herbal mixture called K2, and is available in Lawrence.
“This is basically a synthetic marijuana,” said Deputy Tom Erickson of the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office. “It’s still the same type of thing.”
Erickson said the Johnson County crime lab tested K2 – which looks like potpourri and retails for about $10 per gram – and found that it had chemical properties that are similar to THC, the active ingredient in marijuana.
K2 can be purchased at a downtown shop, Sacred Journey, 1103 Mass. Employees at the store declined an interview request.
The substance’s similarity to marijuana is catching the eye of school officials and substance abuse treatment providers.
The Olathe school district has dealt with a couple of cases of students possessing K2 in the schools, said Carol LeVar, executive director for general administration for the district.
“We’re on the lookout,” she said.
The Olathe student code provides for disciplinary action on substances such as K2, even though it’s legal. LeVar said that the district has concerns about K2, similar to those they have with illegal substances such as marijuana.
“We’d deal with it pretty seriously,” LeVar said.
Officials from Lawrence schools said they aren’t aware of K2 showing up in schools, but that doesn’t mean local youth aren’t using the substance, said Kendall Heiman, director of Professional Treatment Services, a Lawrence-based substance abuse treatment center.
“It seems to have quite a presence in Douglas and Johnson counties,” she said.
Heiman said counselors at her agency have seen a “dramatic increase” in youths using the substance in the last month.
The substance doesn’t show up on a drug test, which makes it an attractive alternative to marijuana, she said.
Because K2 is legal in the United States, Lawrence police Sgt. Bill Cory said, that leaves it out of the bounds of law enforcement.
“We know it is out there but have not seen it. Since it is a legal substance there is not much we can do about it,” Cory said.
But that doesn’t mean K2 is safe, said Heiman, who cites a variety of issues raised by the substance.
For one, it’s relatively unstudied.
“There’s no one who really knows a whole lot about it,” she said.
Heiman also has concerns that the high cost of the substance – which comes in a variety of flavors and potencies – will lead to more crime for those wanting to purchase it.
And she sees the same potential issues with K2 as she sees with marijuana: negative health effects, impaired driving, poor decision-making and drug dependency.
Erickson said that the potential problems with K2 have Johnson County officials planning a proposal for a change at the state legislative level that would make K2 illegal.
“We’re just putting together a proposal,” said Erickson.
But that will take time, and Erickson said it’s important for parents to be aware of K2.
“If your kids have this and are using it, they’re getting high,” he said.
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4 November 2009
at 5:07 p.m.
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puddleglum (Anonymous) says…
haww deng! my chance to get legally high!
Yo!
go k-state!
nascar.
4 November 2009
at 5:13 p.m.
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Gareth (Anonymous) says…
“Drug dependency”? Perhaps Mrs. Heiman needs to read up on her supposed area of expertise:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Effects_…
“Research has shown the overall addiction potential for cannabis to be much less than for tobacco, alcohol, cocaine or heroin. There is some evidence that dependence on cannabis might exist in some heavy users.”
Yeah, woo — that's a threat to society, there. Ban it, and ban anything that's remotely like it.
Ah, Kansas.
4 November 2009
at 5:20 p.m.
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kugrad (Anonymous) says…
Just in case you kids didn't know about it or where to find it, the LJW is here to help!
4 November 2009
at 5:29 p.m.
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OldEnuf2BYurDad (Anonymous) says…
This will become a good case study for all those who want to legalize pot. If it is true that there would be less crime if pot was legalized, then K2 will prove them right. Or, prove them wrong.
“Research has shown the overall addiction potential for cannabis to be much less than for tobacco”
Keep in mind that “less addictive” doesn't equate to “less harmful”.
4 November 2009
at 5:33 p.m.
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blue73harley (Anonymous) says…
Also keep in mind that LSD was once legal.
Ain't sayin' that this is the same thing, just sayin'…
4 November 2009
at 5:33 p.m.
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grammaddy (Anonymous) says…
The propoganda will now begin. Will the govt. lie as much about K2 as they have about marijuana?
4 November 2009
at 5:35 p.m.
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AreUNorml (Anonymous) says…
maybe if law enforcement and the government were honest with the public about the “dangers” of marijuana, kids would trust the authority more. it's awfully hard to get law enforcement to tell the truth though, considering the huge federal budgets they receive to fight this war against a plant (not to mention American citizens)
thank you for telling me where to purchase a synthetic legal pot.
4 November 2009
at 5:41 p.m.
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Jimo (Anonymous) says…
I'm concerned that this article is written almost entirely with a focus on fear - kids getting drugs.
Is there any evidence that there's a problem with this substance and kids? If so, that it's more common than other drugs, alcohol?
I just become very suspicious when the only real argument some people have is an emotional appeal to irrational parental fears for their children's safety.
4 November 2009
at 5:55 p.m.
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gsxr600 (Anonymous) says…
I don't see what the deal is. Is there any credible reason to ban the substance? How about the school district stop allowing energy drinks in school? That stuff is mind altering too.
4 November 2009
at 6:14 p.m.
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agl (Anonymous) says…
Bet it will just give you a headache. Yup, better ban it…
4 November 2009
at 6:17 p.m.
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promitida (Anonymous) says…
Gareth, did you just quote wikipedia? The same site that's credited with falsely declaring Sinbads death? Pick a better resource if you ever hope to prove a point.
4 November 2009
at 6:25 p.m.
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Casey_Jones (Anonymous) says…
What exactly is a substance abuse provider?
4 November 2009
at 6:38 p.m.
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beerguy (Anonymous) says…
Laws against human nature and/or stupidity are not going to get you anywhere. I'm sure the other head shops will have for it for sell by the end of the month. Now its time I go cash in on this before it becomes illegal.
4 November 2009
at 6:39 p.m.
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Casey_Jones (Anonymous) says…
And, if you're comparing it to marijuana, it's actually pretty cheap, kids!
4 November 2009
at 6:41 p.m.
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mongo55 (Anonymous) says…
dayum, criminalize cigarettes, leave this legal, age restrict and tax the bejesus out if it.
4 November 2009
at 6:42 p.m.
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1029 (Anonymous) says…
Man, that line is going to stretch all the way around the corner tomorrow…. (Let's use cash, people. Exact change if possible. Speed it up for your fellow human.)
4 November 2009
at 7:41 p.m.
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was_freashpowder2 (Alexander Neighbors) says…
what are they going to make paint illegal because people huff it…… come on people just let these people get high why are our lawmakers wasting time on this should they not be worried about balancing the budget ?
4 November 2009
at 7:51 p.m.
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misplacedcheesehead (Anonymous) says…
Hey, I'm 45 and have never tried pot, but I have got to get me some of this!! I was always too scared of what my mother would do to me if she ever found out. LOL.
Now, I think I'll get some and invite my 74 yr. old mom to join me.
So, if this K2 looks like potpourri, can you put it in a cute little thing that burns potpourri and “inhale” it that way? I can just see it-a little ceramic gingerbread house wafting K2. Hee, hee,hee…
4 November 2009
at 8:06 p.m.
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frustratednks (Anonymous) says…
I cannot believe the JW just told us where to get legalized POT! For Crying out loud. Did you have to name the store and address?
4 November 2009
at 8:11 p.m.
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WHY (Anonymous) says…
Maybe law enforcement should be concerned with things that are against the law.
4 November 2009
at 8:26 p.m.
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rabb (Anonymous) says…
“Gareth, did you just quote wikipedia? The same site that's credited with falsely declaring Sinbads death?”
____________________________________________________
Wikipedia was talking about Sinbad's career.
4 November 2009
at 8:29 p.m.
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lluvsk (Anonymous) says…
I have to say that it's really sad that people are constantly trying to find the next great thing so they can alter reality.
Having lost a child to the effects of drugs, I speak from a bit of experience. Instead of always trying to find that next “high”, why don't you just realize that life isn't as bad as you think it is… It could always be worse. Ask me, I lost a child to drugs, I dealt with that reality…….and I've never been high.
4 November 2009
at 8:34 p.m.
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Graczyk (Anonymous) says…
People don't get high because life sucks. People get high because it feels good and is fun. That escapism discourse is so “ABC After School Special.”
Of course, if you get high too much then your life will suck.
4 November 2009
at 8:39 p.m.
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tolawdjk (Anonymous) says…
Big day for the LJW. Sale at Kohl's, legal pot across town. Free advertizing to stimulate the local economy.
4 November 2009
at 8:49 p.m.
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barrypenders (Anonymous) says…
Grasshoppers always work themselves up over the drugs they need to get by on. What would they do if they couldn't get what they need? Some of their paranoiac responses makes me wonder if maybe they are dragging maryjane and Katey two?
Stimulus and evolution lives
Darwin bless you all
4 November 2009
at 8:52 p.m.
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srj (Anonymous) says…
You are right, I thought it was bad enough giving Kohl's free press, but Sacred Journey too? I hope Sacred Journey knows what they are getting into by selling this, ask Yellow House what it's like have the LPD watching you 24-7.
4 November 2009
at 9:05 p.m.
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Boston_Corbett (Anonymous) says…
Why isn't Marion here to complain about free advertising. Or is he selling this stuff on the internet with his other scams?
4 November 2009
at 9:11 p.m.
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Green_Trees_Brown_Dirt (Anonymous) says…
In case, like me, you were wondering what K2 actually is, I did a little abstract because it appears our fair journalist decided not to run with much in the way of research or actual facts on the matter. We are forced to gloss that K2 is at one and the same time:
a “substance”
an “herbal mixture”
a “synthetic marijuana” (which I guess by default means that herbal and synthetic are the same)
the “same type of thing” as marijuana
something that “looks like potpourri”
something that has “chemical properties that are similar to THC”
something that has “quite a presence in Douglas and Johnson counties”
an “attractive alternative to marijuana”
something that “comes in a variety of flavors and potencies”
Interestingly, despite this mountain of information on K2, we also read that:
“it’s relatively unstudied”, and “There’s no one who really knows a whole lot about it”
You can say that again. Thanks, LJ World! I'm ready to talk K2 with my kids now.
4 November 2009
at 9:14 p.m.
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nschwerm (Anonymous) says…
awesome thanks for letting me know about this cool new drug and exactly where I can get it :)
4 November 2009
at 9:18 p.m.
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cutny (Anonymous) says…
Hey!
There's this new stuff called alcohol. And, get this, you can buy it all over this town.
Thousands of people kill others in car wrecks, or other incidents, every year after drinking it. Lots more just die from a lifetime, or less, of drinking it. Hundreds of underage people in this town buy it every day.
so let's not panic!!!
4 November 2009
at 9:34 p.m.
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thebcman (Anonymous) says…
here's more info from a real news source..
http://www.kansascity.com/637/story/1…
4 November 2009
at 9:49 p.m.
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oneeye_wilbur (Anonymous) says…
whew, at first I thought K2 was a new early childhood education program, that progressive Lawrence was going to start up, thank goodness it's about drugs, something that isn't new to Lawrence. Will it interact with Viagra and Aricept?
4 November 2009
at 9:59 p.m.
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Calliope877 (Anonymous) says…
Eh.
I'd lay money down that pot is better, but I don't have any money and I've never tried K2. I don't like the idea of it being partly created by a grad student in a university lab…that scares me for some reason.
4 November 2009
at 10 p.m.
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Pogo (Anonymous) says…
Oh my.
Isn't it a better idea to spend your money at the Free State Brewery getting drunk and then running down a bicycle rider? I mean after all, we want to be sure to keep our money “local”.
Long live the Kaw Valley Hemp Pickers and the Association
http://mobile.ljworld.com/news/1991/a…
4 November 2009
at 10:05 p.m.
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BigPrune (Anonymous) says…
A responsible shop keeper would pull this off the shelves. Dr. Drew says most pot smokers have bipolar disorder. I wonder if a study has ever been done on suicide rates of potheads. I also wonder if government grant money went into it since it comes from a profesor and his student that created two synthetic cannabinoids at Clemson University.
4 November 2009
at 10:24 p.m.
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RedRondaFAN (Anonymous) says…
Just want to put this out there…
As someone that has “experienced” this new, strange substance, I believe that it is an experience that all should try ;)
BTW, Shaun, speaking from experience…?
4 November 2009
at 11:52 p.m.
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blue73harley (Anonymous) says…
Will “Honk for Hemp” be replaced with “Klap for K2”?
4 November 2009
at 11:55 p.m.
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YOUNGCSI (Anonymous) says…
I can't decide if this is an article against it or just a commercial for it. If anyone didn't know about it, they do now and thanks to LJW they know where to get it and how much it is! Good lookin out LJ!
5 November 2009
at midnight
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jonas_opines (Anonymous) says…
“Will “Honk for Hemp” be replaced with “Klap for K2”?”
That sounds like an STD commercial.
5 November 2009
at 12:30 a.m.
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kidicarus (Anonymous) says…
“A responsible shop keeper would pull this off the shelves. Dr. Drew says most pot smokers have bipolar disorder. I wonder if a study has ever been done on suicide rates of potheads. I also wonder if government grant money went into it since it comes from a profesor and his student that created two synthetic cannabinoids at Clemson University.”
No, a responsible shop keeper would attempt to stay in business by selling marketable goods. Dr. Drew? Good source.
5 November 2009
at 1:55 a.m.
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was_freashpowder2 (Alexander Neighbors) says…
Dude what happened to the kids that were choking them selves to get high because they had nothing else ?
5 November 2009
at 2:24 a.m.
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autie (Anonymous) says…
K2? is it safer the K-10?
5 November 2009
at 2:42 a.m.
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barrypenders (Anonymous) says…
C.L.a P. for K2!
c'est la vi Blue73Harley
Darwin bless you
5 November 2009
at 5:43 a.m.
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donsalsbury (Anonymous) says…
It must be a legal substance, because there's a free advertisement for it and the store that sells it, right in the Journal-World! Well done, journalists…
5 November 2009
at 6:17 a.m.
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BrianR (Anonymous) says…
Hey, this could stimulate the economy by creating jobs for people who make pizzas and potato chips.
5 November 2009
at 6:20 a.m.
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Renaissance (Anonymous) says…
$10/gram? geeesh. People better stick to regular old affordable pot.
5 November 2009
at 7:15 a.m.
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compmd (Anonymous) says…
I think the real story here is that people are stupid enough to put an unknown chemical practically directly into their bloodstream, without even considering any potential risks or consequences to their health.
I should open a stand selling “pleasure herbs” for smoking, offering whatever the heck I find in a field. All I have to do is say is it is “just like pot” and morons will pay me for it and smoke it.
5 November 2009
at 7:46 a.m.
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bigmike (Anonymous) says…
This Is exactly why law enforcment will never win the “War on Drugs” (not like they really want to, then they would stop getting all the government funding), they are so freakin far out of touch!!!
Do the people that are worried kids will see this ad and go buy some really think the kids that want to be cool and get high read the newspaper?
I'd much rather be on the road next to someone that his “high” on fake pot (placebo effect), or even real pot than on the road with a drunk driver!
Ljworld: Please go find some real news.
Lawrence PD: Please go find some real crime..
People that want to get high: Please go find some real pot…
5 November 2009
at 7:48 a.m.
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jafs (Anonymous) says…
The guy who originally created the chemicals used said, in the linked article, that he thought it was probably more dangerous than pot.
He said the body would likely break down the chemicals into carcinogens when ingested.
That's the most important information I've read so far.
And, it is absurd that we allow smoking/drinking/caffeine, but want to ban other forms of mind-altering substances.
5 November 2009
at 7:54 a.m.
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boothillbilly (Anonymous) says…
Aren't there a string of unsolved rapes in Lawrence?
But no, the moral sheep do not care about that, because of the off chance that little Timmy may be getting high to escape the perdition that is life in Kansas.
All making this stuff illegal will do is give politicians something to wave in front of their ignorant constituency that he is actually doing something. It is a cheap political ploy that will cost the state and county money.
Law enforcement will divert valuable resources and man-hours to enforcing a ban on this stuff, when they could instead be protecting the community from violent criminals.
Keep it legal and tax it. Divert the revenue from taxes to the schools, better equipment and training for law enforcement, rehab programs, fixing the streets, help for the homeless, or any number of social programs that are hurting financially. In other words: tax vice, don't legislate against it. Let the free market regulate itself. Isn't that respecting freedom and rational choice?
5 November 2009
at 8:23 a.m.
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autie (Anonymous) says…
My wife says she gets a little dizzy sometimes when I take my boots off. Maybe I could dry those socks and grind them up and sell them in baggies….I could be standing on a gold mine.
5 November 2009
at 8:42 a.m.
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werekoala (Anonymous) says…
Man, everyone is going on about how great/terrible this drug is, with almost nothing to back it up.
I've spent about 15 minutes trying to find ANY information on its exact chemical contents, effects, and come up short. Anyone having any better luck?
Otherwise, I'm inclined to think that the plot goes something like this:
1) Couple of stoners throw a secret blend of 11 herbs and spices into a bowl, light up, and get convinced they are high.
2) They print up a couple hundred labels for baggies, and convince a head shop to carry it.
3) Sales are slow, since you're trying to convince people to smoke lettuce when it's pretty easy to buy real pot instead.
4) They call up and leak a tip to the paper that this stuff is for sale and It Could Kill Your Children!!! (more at 11)
5) The cops get interviewed, and take their standard pose “We don't know anything about it, which means it's bad. Also, we need more money to fight this deadly menace.”
6) Sales skyrocket, while dingbats like myself post hundreds of comments that are sure to change each other's minds.
7) The sellers make enough money to at least buy themselves real pot, the paper gets more page views, the store gets more purchases. Everyone wins except for the poor dumb 8th graders who fell for the hype and are now stuck listening to Dark Side of the Moon with nothing more than a headache.
5 November 2009
at 8:42 a.m.
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headdoctor (Anonymous) says…
This isn't any different than any other natural or newly created drug. A lot of this type of stuff starts out legal because the laws haven't been altered to cover it. I am sure with it containing cannabinoids it wont be legal for very long. If nothing else the use of it by minors will speed up the process. I just wonder how many people will lose their jobs by failing a drug test then complaining that what they were using was completely legal? Heehee, not much different than testing positive after eating poppy seed buns, etc.
5 November 2009
at 8:47 a.m.
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headdoctor (Anonymous) says…
werekoala (Anonymous) says…
Man, everyone is going on about how great/terrible this drug is, with almost nothing to back it up.
I've spent about 15 minutes trying to find ANY information on its exact chemical contents, effects, and come up short. Anyone having any better luck?
_______________________________________________
K2: contains a proprietary blend of herbs and extracts including: Canavalia rosea, Clematis vitalba, Nelumbo nucifera, Pedicularis grandifolia, Heimia salicifolia, Leonurus sibiricus and Ledum palustre.
5 November 2009
at 8:58 a.m.
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deathpenaltyliberal (Anonymous) says…
“BigPrune (Anonymous) says…
A responsible shop keeper would pull this off the shelves. Dr. Drew says most pot smokers have bipolar disorder.”
Now there's a credible source, someone who makes money from hyping the dangers of addiction.
Be afraid, be very afraid!
5 November 2009
at 9:06 a.m.
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werekoala (Anonymous) says…
Okay, so it looks like a legal equivalent of ditch weed. Not that I'm a botanist/chemist, but I couldn't find anything implying that any of those plants contained cannibinoids. Or really ANY information about the compounds they are theorized to contain, and their likely effects.
All links I've found that discuss psychoactive properties of those plants are people in forums saying something like, “Yo dude, my sister's ex-boyfriend's roommate says that the ancient Mayans totally used to blaze up with this!”
I'd be interested to see what people who have tried it here in town have to say, but otherwise, my first instinct is it's a bunch of allegorical poppycock that takes advantage of gullible hippies.
5 November 2009
at 9:12 a.m.
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headdoctor (Anonymous) says…
deathpenaltyliberal (Anonymous) says…
“BigPrune (Anonymous) says…
A responsible shop keeper would pull this off the shelves. Dr. Drew says most pot smokers have bipolar disorder.”
Now there's a credible source, someone who makes money from hyping the dangers of addiction.
Be afraid, be very afraid!
__________________________________________________
Not much difference here from the panic and fear of Salvia a while back. People were upset about it for a while but I think to date there have only been 11 states think it was bad enough to declare it illegal.
Just think. If the herbal and spice Nazi's were around back then we might not have Col. Sanders fried chicken. Those 11 different herbs and spices really kick some butt. It is such a powerful combination it just gave me the munchies just thinking about it.
5 November 2009
at 9:14 a.m.
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boothillbilly (Anonymous) says…
Isn't banning and criminalizing natural herbs kinda like saying God messed up?
5 November 2009
at 9:15 a.m.
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Wallythewalrus (Anonymous) says…
Actually there was a post about K2 in yesterdays story under the weed story at Lonestar lake. So the LJW is like many hours behind the KC online paper.
5 November 2009
at 9:18 a.m.
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Wallythewalrus (Anonymous) says…
K2 contains two synthetic cannabinoids created at Clemson University. Chemistry professor John W. Huffman said an undergraduate student working in his lab actually created one of the compounds, called JWH-018 after Huffman’s initials.
Huffman…..LOL
5 November 2009
at 9:24 a.m.
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Wallythewalrus (Anonymous) says…
Available for sale online and at a store in Lawrence, K2 comes in a small pouch. Inside is a mix of dried herbs that look like oregano but are laced with chemicals designed to mimic the effects of marijuana. Other brands go by the names Spice, Genie and Zohai.
Because the active ingredients are just a few atoms away from the real thing, the synthetic stuff isn’t covered by laws banning marijuana. This means K2 and similar products are legal — even though the effects are identical to pot.
Johnson County police first discovered the drug was being used by ex-convicts on probation. They turned to K2 hoping it wouldn’t show up on drug tests as marijuana. Now police are finding it in high schools.
The Sacred Journey, a botanical store in Lawrence, sells bags of K2 for $15 to $30. A store manager declined to comment, but an employee said K2 should be burnt as incense and isn’t meant to be smoked. A competing brand is marketed online as “plant food.”
The Johnson County Crime Lab ran an analysis on K2. Although it tested negative for THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, it was positive for synthetic cannabinoids. These are chemical compounds created in a lab that act on the brain like THC.
5 November 2009
at 9:31 a.m.
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headdoctor (Anonymous) says…
werekoala (Anonymous) says…
Okay, so it looks like a legal equivalent of ditch weed. Not that I'm a botanist/chemist, but I couldn't find anything implying that any of those plants contained cannibinoids. Or really ANY information about the compounds they are theorized to contain, and their likely effects.
_________________________________________________
You are not going to find out much because the contents are a proprietary mixture but then so are humans, plants, and animals. That list all produce a certain amount of cannabinoids.
The very first ingredient, Canavalia rosea has been smoked as a substitute for Marijuana for sometime for aliments such as arthritis. Clematis vitalba has been used for morning wake up teas and as allertness boosters. Pedicularis grandifolia has been used as a seditive and also as an aphrodisiac. Most of the other stuff is more for smell or cheap filler. One is even a noxious weed that is more illegal because of that than the effects from smoking it.
5 November 2009
at 9:44 a.m.
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somedude20 (Anonymous) says…
“Heiman also has concerns that the high cost of the substance – which comes in a variety of flavors and potencies – will lead to more crime for those wanting to purchase it.”
really, is that the best you have?
“And she sees the same potential issues with K2 as she sees with marijuana: negative health effects, impaired driving, poor decision-making and drug dependency”
That sounds like old age. Old age brings negative health effects, impaired driving, poor decision making and drug dependency. If you ask about drug dependency, I work in healthcare and some older Americans depend on more than 40 or more pills a day to stay alive
5 November 2009
at 9:46 a.m.
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jonas_opines (Anonymous) says…
deathpenaltyliberal (Anonymous) says…
“BigPrune (Anonymous) says…
“A responsible shop keeper would pull this off the shelves. Dr. Drew says most pot smokers have bipolar disorder.”
Now there's a credible source, someone who makes money from hyping the dangers of addiction.”
I like Dr. Drew well enough, but a google search on the key words netted absolutely nothing suggesting anything such as that, and I'm pretty sure Somebody would have taken notice.
Perhaps BigPrune, with his history of half-truths; manipulated facts, statements, videos; and outright lies on this site would be good enough to provide a citation for his statement.
5 November 2009
at 9:54 a.m.
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chevelle1986 (Anonymous) says…
This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.
5 November 2009
at 10:26 a.m.
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headdoctor (Anonymous) says…
headdoctor (Anonymous) says…
I just wonder how many people will lose their jobs by failing a drug test then complaining that what they were using was completely legal?
__________________________________________________
I guess I only have one eye open today. It doesn't show up on drug tests. Oh well, If it becomes a problem they will just modify the tests in the future.
5 November 2009
at 10:33 a.m.
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werekoala (Anonymous) says…
Headdoctor - thanks for the info. I'm having fun with the idea, but I appreciate someone who tries to bring real information to the table.
Now I am off to rob some old ladies to support my K2 habit…
5 November 2009
at 11:56 a.m.
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BABBOY (Anonymous) says…
BigPrune listens to Dr. Drew. That is kind of funny.
5 November 2009
at 12:04 p.m.
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ldawg (Anonymous) says…
I'll take my chances with K2 over K3 (KKK) any day. thanks for the location and cost LJW. I am heading there now over my lunch hour. I can't wait for your next article on the process of how criminals are getting free money out of ATMs.
5 November 2009
at 12:38 p.m.
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dirtyboss01 (Anonymous) says…
i love weeeeeeeeed….and now K2
5 November 2009
at 12:53 p.m.
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dirtyboss01 (Anonymous) says…
What is the minimum age to purchase this product?
5 November 2009
at 12:59 p.m.
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mistygreen (Anonymous) says…
Question: How is smoking this stuff any worse than a bunch of people sitting at a bar, house, where ever and drinking?
Here's another thing to think about. They are selling this stuff legally through retail. That means that the business owner is charging and paying sales tax. How can this be a bad thing?
5 November 2009
at 1:24 p.m.
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shaunepec (Shaun Hittle) says…
dirtyboss01,
You have to be 18 to buy it at the store. Not sure if that's a store policy, or a state law re: such substances
Shaun Hittle
LJW Reporter
5 November 2009
at 1:50 p.m.
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lsense (Anonymous) says…
thebcman, a real news source? This is a quote from that article:
“Yet the fake marijuana may be more dangerous than the real McCoy, according to Huffman. He noted that unlike with marijuana, the risks of smoking synthetic cannabis haven’t been studied. His research suggests the compounds likely break down in the body into carcinogens.”
Let's see, what does inhaling cigarette smoke do? Here's a little info on cigarettes, since everyone is so concerned with the health effects of smoking marijuana, and now K2:
“Over 4000 chemical compounds are created by burning a cigarette, many of which are toxic and/or carcinogenic. Carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, hydrogen cyanide and ammonia are all present in cigarette smoke. Forty-three known carcinogens are in mainstream smoke, sidestream smoke, or both.”
And the information from the latter quote isn't a crack hypothesis; it's been studied and proven. So tell me, if our society is all about banning things because of their ill affect on our health, why are cigarettes legal again?
5 November 2009
at 2:10 p.m.
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I_AM_AN_ANARCHIST (Anonymous) says…
“Heiman also has concerns that the high cost of the substance – which comes in a variety of flavors and potencies – will lead to more crime for those wanting to purchase it.”
It only takes two hits to get a high and there are three grams in a bag. so there are about 60 doses in a bag if you are smart about it. I love when things are outlawed by people who don't know anything about the substance or act at hand.
In the KC article they interviewed State Rep. Mast who hadn't heard about it until they called for the interview. she said “I would be very happy to sponsor a bill to make this illegal,”
5 November 2009
at 2:24 p.m.
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Ricky_Vaughn (Anonymous) says…
This article is nothing but fear-mongering.
Am I watching Glenn Beck?
5 November 2009
at 2:30 p.m.
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flux (Anonymous) says…
So is it any good or what? Does anyone have any first hand experience over second hand information?
5 November 2009
at 2:33 p.m.
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jonas_opines (Anonymous) says…
Errr… in the interest of science, I found it to work relatively well, for a buzz that lasted an hour or so. Potential placebo effects nonwithstanding.
It won't be legal for very long here, I imagine.
5 November 2009
at 2:44 p.m.
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Satirical (Anonymous) says…
K2 is the new cause and solution to all of life's problems ; )
5 November 2009
at 2:45 p.m.
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9070811 (Anonymous) says…
And she sees the same potential issues with K2 as she sees with marijuana: negative health effects, impaired driving, poor decision-making and drug dependency.
Sounds a lot like alcoholism.
If kids are getting high from it, it's just like getting drunk from alcohol.
5 November 2009
at 2:45 p.m.
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Satirical (Anonymous) says…
jonas_opines…
Way to take one for the team jonas_opines, how altruistic of you!
5 November 2009
at 3 p.m.
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jonas_opines (Anonymous) says…
Hey, I'm just looking out for the children. And I happened to be downtown this morning.
5 November 2009
at 3:37 p.m.
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Satirical (Anonymous) says…
jonas_opines…
“Hey, I'm just looking out for the children.”
(Hilariously witty response)
Yep, it's all about the children.
5 November 2009
at 4:07 p.m.
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happy_go_lucky (Anonymous) says…
So did you smoke it jonas? And how much was it for a sack?
5 November 2009
at 4:09 p.m.
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RKLOG (Mark Andrew) says…
I'm so sick hearing from these armchair Dr. Spocks who are (supposedly) just looking out for the children. Our society wouldn't know how to take care of our children if it was written on the kids foreheads. Enough already. The reality is that the more we take away from those that want something, the harder they go for it and eventually abuse it (do a Google and tell me I'm wrong). Let's start with that concept and move on from here.
5 November 2009
at 4:19 p.m.
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somedude20 (Anonymous) says…
They had a story on CNN/MSN/ (and yucky fox) stating that : “The latest Army statistics show a stunning 75 percent of military-age youth are ineligible to join the military because they are overweight, can't pass entrance exams, have dropped out of high school or had run-ins with the law”
http://www.sphere.com/2009/11/03/70-p…
Good job moms and dads as you have done one hell of a job with your fat,lazy,dumb, and criminal children!!!!! Now watch out for that evil weed-like substance because that can cause the REAL harm, right?
5 November 2009
at 4:30 p.m.
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RogueThrill (Anonymous) says…
$10 bucks a gram is a pretty good deal if it is comparable to a variety of Kush (which goes for about $20/g). If it's just schwag (~$1/g in bulk, i.e. $50 an ounce) it's a rip off.
It's also not like any of this is news. There are all sorts of legal substances that alter states, salvia being the easiest to name.
5 November 2009
at 4:44 p.m.
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alm77 (Anonymous) says…
jonas, for real, keep us posted. Again with the lengthy connections, my husband's co-worker's friends said the high is higher than pot.
I don't think pot should be illegal, but while it is, I won't smoke it. I don't wanna smoke anything made in a lab, legal or not.
5 November 2009
at 5:01 p.m.
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Jaylee (Anonymous) says…
“K2 can be purchased at a downtown shop, Sacred Journey, 1103 Mass.”
also salvia, fly agarics, etc. ill go in that store someday out of curiousity for all the insane things they sell, but this is crazy. ive never heard of this thing.
“…will lead to more crime for those wanting to purchase it.”
if it's legal, it isn't criminal to acquire it, so i don't see how crime would play into it? unless it became a big deal like alcohol and tobacco, then the gov prohibited it.
5 November 2009
at 5:10 p.m.
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jonas_opines (Anonymous) says…
Seriously, though, I have yet to have a single side effect at al;adskjasd;lgkjq3tpoid;ogkjc;lkb,mxb;laksdg;aklsdngao;ihr
nqeknga;klsdngas;ldknvasp94jlaksdfmawerwetrerytW
qe$#%#$%^#$%$#%^q$^w$%wetrgwreyt#$tqertqe tfga EfChthulhucomesiaiaiaiaiaiaiaiaiaiaiaiaiaiaiaiaiaa!!!!
5 November 2009
at 5:10 p.m.
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andyk (Anonymous) says…
my friend just said there was a long line for this, right after i got done saying they will be sold out tonight.
5 November 2009
at 5:12 p.m.
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blue73harley (Anonymous) says…
Jonas - you should have waited and got paid for the clinical study.
5 November 2009
at 5:21 p.m.
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jonas_opines (Anonymous) says…
Whoa! Spaced out there and woke up holding a damp clay effigy of something or another.
5 November 2009
at 5:23 p.m.
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goofyboots (Anonymous) says…
Seriously people, is this really something we should be focusing our attention on??? The economy and our entire world is free falling fast and this is what our local newspaper can find to report on. How about we work on solving more important problems. Liquor and Tobacco cause more deaths and health problems than any other substance I have ever been exposed to. How the hell can you try to impose a ban on a plant that grows naturally throughout the world. The war on drugs should be with the crack and meths heads that cook up trash in their bathroom not something that grows naturally. Tobacco is a naturally grown plant that has been legally altered and then resold legally. Am I the only one that sees the tobacco company's want our money at the cost of our lives. If tobacco company's can get away with murder, why can't i smoke a little pot instead of the cancer stick sold at my local convenience store.
5 November 2009
at 5:37 p.m.
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ckeizer77 (Corey Keizer) says…
You're either a Patient or a Junky, it only depends on who takes your money.
5 November 2009
at 6:01 p.m.
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merrill (Anonymous) says…
Is K2 that big a deal? Hey sherriff rape and stolen checks need your attention now. Don't waste resources on K2.
Coffee is a mind altering substance which makes eyes stay open.
There are a lot of stolen business checks about Lawrence,Topeka and the JOCO metro. KCMO as well.
Too bad this did not make headlines. It might have saved bank accounts and large insurance pay outs.
These culprits have managed to write thousands upon thousands upon thousands of dollars worth of checks.
Now this is illegal and also cleans out bank accounts and I would bet this ring was not smoking K2. However they have been purchasing tons of tobacco products. Tobacco products we know are addicting. I guess tobacco drove these people to steal hundreds of business checks.
What is more concern is that ID was not being demanded or verified. Maybe all business people should demand more strict rules for cashing checks and credit card use. A little inconvenient perhaps but so is losing thousands of dollars from a bank account. I am somewhat appalled at how easy it is to pay with checks and credit cards.
Please business people exercise a little inconvenience. It's a good bang for the buck.
Now really how important is K2?
5 November 2009
at 6:03 p.m.
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RogueThrill (Anonymous) says…
I thought I would also pint out that you can buy NO2 cartridges at the Bay Leaf. You can't get a cracker and balloons there but you can buy a whip cream dispenser, which is much better in IMHO.
They deserve a little promotion too and whippets are pretty good.
5 November 2009
at 6:08 p.m.
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ClaroAtaxia (Anonymous) says…
Real, high grade marijuana is safer than this junk. The problem with K2 and other synths, is that they essentially just coat some raw plant material with the synthetic chemical, thus you are inhaling much harsher smoke than that of highly potent marijuana (the more potent, the less smoke one has to take in, the healthier). A google search easily yields reports of ppl saying K2 is a very harsh smoke. If we legalized and regulated marijuana ppl wouldn't have mess around with 'legal' alternatives that are much more dangerous.
5 November 2009
at 6:18 p.m.
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LarryNative (Anonymous) says…
Smoked some last night. Weak, nothing close to the real thing.. Media hype bs.
5 November 2009
at 6:22 p.m.
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Calliope877 (Anonymous) says…
jonas_opines (Anonymous) says…
Whoa! Spaced out there and woke up holding a damp clay effigy of something or another.
LOL
5 November 2009
at 6:37 p.m.
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sundancewierdo (Anonymous) says…
compmd (Anonymous) says…
“I think the real story here is that people are stupid enough to put an unknown chemical practically directly into their bloodstream, without even considering any potential risks or consequences to their health.”
Does that include people who eat at any fast food joint? Eat frozen pizza? Or anything out of a box that goes right in the oven?
5 November 2009
at 6:40 p.m.
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mrf (Anonymous) says…
So when are we going to smoke some?
5 November 2009
at 10:42 p.m.
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hwarangdo (Anonymous) says…
Farrr out! I thought K2 was a mountain in Tibet … banana leaves anyone?
5 November 2009
at 11:03 p.m.
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Jcjayhawk1 (Anonymous) says…
Who says it's a drug? On what authority?
6 November 2009
at 12:18 a.m.
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cletus26 (Anonymous) says…
well i be…
7 November 2009
at 1:42 p.m.
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Menazort (Anonymous) says…
“Prohibition will work great injury to the cause of temperance. It is a species of intemperance within itself, for it goes beyond the bounds of reason in that it attempts to control a man's appetite by legislation, and makes a crime out of things that are not crimes. A Prohibition law strikes a blow at the very principles upon which our government was founded.”
Abraham Lincoln (1809-65), U.S. President.
Speech, 18 Dec. 1840, to Illinois House of Representative
8 November 2009
at 2:13 p.m.
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Jon_Stewart (Anonymous) says…
I have tried the Summit (pictured) and the citron blends of K2. Besides taste differences (citron tasted like an orange spice pie), I could hardly tell a strength difference. The high seems to last a little less than that of pot, but is definitely more potent. As for it being too expensive? The lowest quality blend is $15 for an eighth an ounce (three grams), and the highest is $30. Compared to quality pot, that's pocket change. Makes me wonder what our local drug-enforcers and combatants really know. My guess is only what they learn from propaganda commercials, but I might be wrong. Who knows, maybe they've listened to Dr. Drew and Bill O'Reilly, too.
8 November 2009
at 2:18 p.m.
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Jon_Stewart (Anonymous) says…
“Do the people that are worried kids will see this ad and go buy some really think the kids that want to be cool and get high read the newspaper?”
-bigmike
You'd be surprised how aware of and into current events the 19-25 year old stoner crowd in Lawrence is. Heck, you'd be surprised by WHO some of the that crowd is.
8 November 2009
at 2:36 p.m.
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jonas_opines (Anonymous) says…
“You'd be surprised how aware of and into current events the 19-25 year old stoner crowd in Lawrence is.”
Since all of those would be of legal age for most things, I don't think that is probably the demographic of kids under concern.