Have you heard the words “K2”, “Spice” and “Bath Salts” in recent news broadcasts and wondered what they were? These are names for dangerous synthetic drugs that have been sold over the counter in stores across the country. Poison Centers reported severe side effects from using these synthetic substances to include: increased blood pressure and heart rate, agitation, hallucinations, extreme paranoia and delusions, suicidal thoughts, combative/violent behavior and death or serious injury.
On July 11, 2012, President Obama signed the Synthetic Drug Abuse Prevention Act of 2012 into law. This places these synthetic compounds under Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act and will serve as a valuable tool in keeping these substances off the shelves. Although this law will have an impact on the sales of these drugs nationwide, Federal agencies will have to continue to update the list of banned substances, as new synthetic compounds emerge.
We are fortunate that our state and community was way ahead of the game! In February 2011, an ordinance was passed banning the sale of K2 in our local area. One year ago, in July 2011, our state passed a law to ban these synthetic drugs. As a community we need to remain watchful, as there will be new types of synthetics coming, and diligent, to make sure the new substances are banned. You can read more about these issues here: http://rethinkwinnebago.blogspot.com/2012/06/emerging-drug-threats-right-under-our.html.
We all need to get involved! re:THINK ,Winnebago's Healthy Living Partnership, has a Substance Prevention Committee that is open to anyone ready to join and welcomes new members. The next scheduled meeting is Thursday, September 20th, 1-3PM at the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office. You can also check out the re:THINK website for other ways to take action: http://www.rethinkwinnebago.org/take_action.html. Help push drugs out of our community now!
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