GARRETT BILL TARGETS SALE OF FAKE MARIJUANA PRODUCTS

Del. Scott Garrett, R-Lynchburg, said Monday he has filed legislation
that would prohibit the sale of fake marijuana in Virginia.

Six other legislators, from widely scattered parts of the state, have
proposed similar bills this fall. They will be considered in the
General Assembly session that begins Jan. 12.

Emergency responders in Lynchburg recently found a young adult who had
smoked a synthetic substance intended to produce a high similar to
marijuana, Garrett said.

The victim was unresponsive and unable to move his arms or legs,
Garrett said, and was taken to a hospital. The victim recovered.

Adverse side effects that have been reported include panic, anxiety
and increased heart rate.

Garrett joins six other legislators who also have filed bills to treat
synthetic marijuana as a schedule 1 controlled substance. Possession
or sale of the material would carry penalties identical to those for
real marijuana a=C2=80=C2=94 with misdemeanor possession punishable by up
to 12
months in jail.

Anyone possessing more than half an ounce could be convicted of a
felony and face between one and 30 years in prison.

Synthetic marijuana, a chemical substance sprayed on herbal materials
such as incense, is sold in retail outlets including some convenience
stores and tobacco shops, police around Virginia have reported. It is
also available on the Internet.

It is known by a variety of names, including K2, P.E.P., Spice,
Serenity and The Greenhouse Effect.

Thirteen states, including Tennessee, Kentucky and Ohio, have made the
substance illegal.

The Drug Enforcement Administration says it is concerned about the
substance, but does not regulate it.

Other legislators who have proposed synthetic marijuana legislation to
be considered in January are:

Sen. Ralph Smith, R-Botetourt County; Sen. Mark Herring, D-Loudoun
County; Sen. Tommy Norment, R-Williamsburg; Sen. Edd Houck,
D-Spotsylvania County; Del. Paula Miller, D-Norfolk, and Del. Glenn
Oder, R-Newport News.