New York Jets’ Football Star Kellen Winslow Arrested on Drug Charges for Possession of Synthetic Marijuana

New York Jets’ tight end player Kellen B. Winslow, Jr, has been arrested on drug charges for possession of synthetic marijuana.

According to reports, Township Detective Sergeant John Fox allegedly found Winslow in possession of Fubanica, a type of synthetic marijuana, on November 19th outside of the Target store near Route 10, in New York State. However, possession charges for the designer drug were not signed until December 30th.

Winslow has officially been charged with possession of a controlled substance. If convicted of the third-degree charge, he faces up to 5 years in prison.

Winslow began playing NFL football in 2004 when he signed a contract with the Cleveland Browns. He has just finished his first season with the New York Jets. He was suspended for four games during the past season for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing substances. While neither marijuana nor synthetic marijuana are listed under the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy, organic marijuana is listed as a banned “substance of abuse.”

Synthetic Marijuana Targeted by DEA for Dangerous Side Effects

In May, the DEA made three types of synthetic marijuana illegal with a “temporary” statute that put a halt to sales of the drugs for two years, so the agency could further study the side effects of designer drugs.

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.

State authorities have, so far, cooperated with the law. South Carolina authorities said in June of this year that they would also begin cracking down on “head shops,” which often sell synthetic marijuana.

The first federal-level case against a synthetic marijuana seller went to trial recently. Jim Carlson was convicted for selling synthetic marijuana and 50 other federal drug charges at his Colorado head shop, Last Place on Earth. The case hinged on whether or not synthetic marijuana was legal or not at the time of Carlson’s charges, and his attorney has asked for a retrial in the case.

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