In 5 Day Period, 120 Texas Residents Overdose on Synthetic Marijuana

Police are investigating a rash of overdose deaths in Dallas and Austin that have been tied to the same synthetic marijuana dealer.

In less than a week, 120 people overdosed on K2, a type of synthetic marijuana, in the two cities. Currently, Texas does not have any laws restricting the use of the synthetic drug, which contains chemical compounds roughly similar to THC found in marijuana.

Police have confirmed that the overdose deaths are related, and can be traced back to the same Dallas-based supplier. Officials continue to investigate if the synthetic marijuana was laced with other drugs.

“The compound is changed,” said Stacey Davis, director of prevention programs for the Council on Alcohol & Drug Abuse in Dallas. “And it’s not illegal, because they have not banned that compilation of the drug.”

Dr. James d’Etienne of Dallas’ Baylor Medical Center said that “several of [the patients] came in with similar symptoms of psychosis, altered mental status, abnormal behavior.”

Synthetic marijuana belongs to a classification of drugs called canniboids, which have similar psychological effects as the active drugs in cannabis. Synthetic marijuana is often sprayed onto FDA-approved plant material, creating something a user could smoke or burn like incense, or consumed in another fashion. A recent study from the DEA declared that synthetic marijuana, also referred to as “fake pot,” “herbal incense,” or “potpourri,” constituted an imminent public safety hazard. Synthetic marijuana previously had no specific restrictions, and was often sold in corner stores and online. The drug can be purchased with no age restrictions, making it increasingly popular with minors and young adults.

Many states, along with the DEA, have begun cracking down on designer drugs like synthetic marijuana, molly, and other chemicals that do not have any specific state regulations, thereby making them legal. Often, manufacturers will slightly alter the chemical formula to stay ahead of law enforcement. However, the DEA recently make three specific popular types of synthetic marijuana illegal, in order to study the drugs’ effects and help stop the sale of drugs to minors.

DEA Cracks Down on Synthetic Marijuana Dealers in Federal Trial

On October 7th, 2013, Jim Carlson was found guilty of selling synthetic marijuana and other synthetic drugs in his shop, among 51 other federal drug crimes. He is the first person to go to trial for selling synthetic marijuana, and he demanded a retrial because he believed he was targeted as a warning to other synthetic drug dealers.  The 56-year-old was also found guilty of mislabeling his products and money laundering. His girlfriend Lava Haugen was convicted on four federal charges, and son Joseph Gellerman was convicted on two charges.

Carlson’s case hinged on whether or not synthetic marijuana was legal at the time he sold it in his shop. “Unlike most other drug cases, Mr. Carlson is not denying that he sold these drugs. He’s denying that it was against the law for him to do so,” said spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Minnesota, Jeanne Cooney.

The Strom Law Firm Can Help Defend Against Drug Charges Involving Synthetic Marijuana

If you or a loved one have been found with synthetic marijuana, or other synthetic drugs, you could face criminal charges ranging from misdemeanor to felony, depending on how much of the drug was on your person, and what your intent was with the drug. The drug crimes attorneys at the Strom Law Firm can help. Do not let drug charges for synthetic marijuana hurt your reputation or your future aspirations. We offer free, confidential consultations to discuss the facts of your case. Contact us today for help. 803.252.4800