Ban on K2 advances in the House

Petition supports K2

Local proponents of K2 have set up an online petition as they continue their fight against lawmakers’ efforts to essentially ban the herbal mixture, which law enforcement said is being used by young people to get high.

The petition, which can be accessed through the recently formed Web site yestoK2.com, had gained 49 signatures by Tuesday afternoon.

It was created by employees of Sacred Journey, a Lawrence store that sells the incense and is passing out fliers regarding the facts and benefits of the ingredients in K2.

“We’re going to gain traction; this is an important issue,” said Aubry Gabbard, an employee of the store who said she uses the substance for undiagnosed medical reasons. “There are plenty of people who can understand why it can be good for you.”

Topeka ? The Legislature’s march to snuff out K2 continued Tuesday, as the House gave preliminary approval to make illegal the chemicals in the herbal mixture that some say creates a marijuana-like high.

“This is the new drug of choice in schools,” said state Rep. Rob Olson, R-Olathe.

K2 users and sellers, including The Sacred Journey in Lawrence, have opposed the legislation, while law officials, including Douglas County Sheriff Ken McGovern, supported the bill.

Last month, the Senate approved a similar measure, 36-1. On Tuesday, the House advanced House Bill 2411 on a voice vote and will require one more vote before final passage.

State Rep. Marti Crow, D-Leavenworth, spoke against the legislation, saying more research was needed on whether the chemicals in K2 could be used in pain relief.

But state Rep. Pat Colloton, R-Leawood, said use of K2 could be dangerous.

“It is marijuana-like. It does cause intoxication,” Colloton said. “The person who does take it will be under the influence,” she said.

During hearings on the bill, which would make possession of K2 a misdemeanor offense, an 18-year-old Overland Park woman said the substance helped relieve pain from a chronic illness.

In addition to the K2 compounds, the bill would make illegal a couple of other chemicals that mimic the effects of other illegal drugs.