Be Aware. Be Informed. The New Drugs in our Community

These are the new drugs. They are being sold at gas stations, markets and deli's not far from our schools. Sometimes the packages are marked with cartoons or monikers attractive to youth. They are intentionally miss-labeled and marked "Not For Human Consumption" to avoid regulation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 


Authorities believe the drugs are often manufactured by rogue chemists in foreign countries. They pack a punch. Health officials say the drugs can combine the 'nightmarish hallucinations of a bad LSD trip with the obsessive cravings of crack cocaine.' 


Sold as : "Herbal Incense", "Potpourri", "Spice" 'K2".  They are deadly synthetic drugs that mimic the effects of marijuana. But it's not marijuana. It is a deadly synthetic drug.


Sold as: "Bath Salts", "Plant Food" and "Fertilizer" are names for products that mimic the effects of controlled substances such as cocaine, methamphetamine, LSD, PCP and others.  They can also mimic a combination of all of these drugs.  These are not the Bath Salts that are legitimately used when a person soaks in a tub of water.  They are dangerous designer drugs intentionally miss-labeled as "Bath Salts." 


Death and serious injuries have occurred to users and people they encounter. Anyone is allowed to purchase these products. And local merchants are selling them.

I did a quick google search and found the following on a San Diego based website: 

"Even though the DEA has issued a ban in effect on 5 synthetic chemicals that mimic the effect of marijuana the fun still continues as we are coming out with new 50 state legal blends and other legal products. You will experience the same joy and satisfaction from our new products, just like the ones you experienced with our other products."

Our Community is taking Action ...
After the sales of Spice was found in the Deli located right next door to Hilltop Middle School, local parents and community leaders banded together to form "People Against Spice Sales". They want to help educate and inform the community on the dangers of these drugs.  


What Local Policy Makers are Doing ... 
Most of the synthetic drugs on the market do not contain a list of ingredients, which makes it difficult to enforce a ban. As a first step, Assemblymember Ben Hueso introduced Assembly Concurrent Resolution 69 at the State calling for law enforcement, first responders, schools, local elected officials, and parents to educate youth about the risks associated with synthetic drugs. Hueso is also working on legislation that would completely ban the products.


In Chula Vista last week, the Public Safety Committee held a hearing on the two popular synthetic drugs. Chula Vista Councilmembers Steve Castaneda and Patricia Aguilar want to ban synthetic marijuana strains from Chula Vista.


What can you do? 
"People Against Spice Sales" are willing to present information to groups of any size.and are working to ensure legislation is passed in California to ban the sales and possession of these dangerous drugs by anyone. 


You can reach them through: 
stopspice@hotmail.com  
stopspicesales@gmail.com 
Or search their Facebook page: People Against Spice Sales  


Contact your Local Policymakers
Assemblymember Hueso: 619-409-7979
Councilmember Castaneda: 619-691-5044


Most importantly, be informed. A quick google search will give you a long list of articles nationwide and locally. And then share with your children, friends, family and neighbors ... and offer your help to our leaders.




PC