To: President Donald Trump and Governor Kate Brown
"Spice" Synthetic Marijuana
Please help me in my fight to the Governor to urge the President and Congress to ban the legal sale of Spice, also known as "K2!" Spice is a mix of herbs (shredded plant material) with man-made chemicals, having mind-altering effects. It is often called "synthetic marijuana" because some of the chemicals in it are similar to ones in marijuana; but in fact, its effects are sometimes very different from marijuana! Labeled "Not for Human Consumption" and disguised as incense, Spice has been available for purchase in head shops, gas stations and online, making it very easy for our children to purchase. The side effects of synthetic marijuana include increased heart rate, agitation, vomiting, seizures, uncontrollable body movements, lack of emotional attachment, sweating and loss of control, deaths from suicide or accidental means. Spice causes reduced blood flow to the heart, also known as myocardial ischemia, which can cause both damage to the heart and/or cause a heart attack.
Why is this important?
My reason for this petition is to not only inform people of the Synthetic Drug but to get it removed from the shelves entirely. Until a few months ago I had never heard of "Spice" and my concern is I am among the greater population. I fear the curious teen, as most of us were, may stumble upon this drug and being it is legal, not fear they are doing anything wrong... Or just curiosity as a teen leads them to give it a try and one hit can cost them their life. I hit my mom's liquor cabinet as a kid, didn't kill me; tried marijuana, again didn't kill me. This is not the case with Spice; your curiosity can kill you if you attempt to smoke this glorified plant-like material that I refer to as Lethal Potpourri! I met a boy who took 4 puffs that put him in a coma for four days. Another boy watched his friend have a heart attack after one hit of Spice. I do not want my friends, family, co-workers or people of my community to learn of this drug at the hospital or funeral of a loved one. With your support we can make a difference... It may be tough, but if we save one life, it will be worth it!