Police Raid Synthetic Marijuana Dealer’s Home, Find More Than Just Fake Pot

Authorities raided the home of a man on trial for dealing synthetic marijuana on Wednesday, December 18th, and found far more than just synthetic marijuana and incense.

Jim Carlson, who is the first man to go on trial for selling synthetic marijuana after the DEA made some chemical compounds temporarily illegal, was arrested in October for selling synthetic marijuana out of his “head shop” called Last Place on Earth. The shop was in Duluth, Wisconsin, and was officially shut down by police on December 12th. Carlson was convicted on 51 federal crimes, and his girlfriend, Lava Haugen, was convicted for four federal crimes.

Although Carlson portrayed himself as a law-abiding citizen and businessman, his house looked more like a drug kingpin’s den. Police found not only synthetic marijuana, but actual marijuana, ammunition, body armor, and more than $750,000 in cash.

No arrests were made during the search. However, additional charges against Carlson and Haugen could be filed in relation to the items found in the home they shared.

“At this point, I don’t know which direction this will go,” Lt. Steve Stracek said. “We’re working with state and federal authorities to see how it will end up, but I don’t have anything firm I can say.” He added that the search was the result of information police obtained after the couple’s conviction, and noted that “what we were looking for is what we found.”

As part of his conviction on federal drug charges, Carlson was ordered to pay $6.53 million, the amount estimated as his earnings from synthetic marijuana sales. His house was not listed as one of the assets that would go toward that sum, but the money inside could be. Carlson also forfeited $3.5 million from various bank accounts, the downtown store, two vehicles and several properties in the United States and Mexico, along with more than $183,000 seized at Carlson’s home in April.

Carlson and his son, Joseph Gellerman, are set to stand trial for state-level drug crimes at the beginning of 2014.

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 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