Mount Vernon Optic-Herald

The Texas Department of State Health Services is outlawing marijuana-like substances that are commonly found in K2, Spice and other synthetic marijuana products. The ban became effective Friday, April 22.
“I am very pleased with the new law and Franklin County Law Enforcement began enforcing the law as soon as it became effective,” stated Franklin County Chief Deputy Chris Mars.
DSHS placed five synthetic cannabinoid substances in Schedule I of the Texas Schedules of Controlled Substances, making it illegal to manufacture, distribute, possess and sell the substances. Penalties for the manufacture, sale or possession of K2 are Class A or B misdemeanors.
K2 or Spice, often marketed as herbal incense, contain substances that produce psychoactive effects similar to those from smoking marijuana. These marijuana-like substances are readily available through smoke shops, gas stations and the Internet.
Chief Deputy Mars verified that he and other officers have had some instances of the new substances found with other illegal substances during arrests. “I would say that K2, like marijuana, is a gateway drug,” explained Chief Deputy Mars. “Especially in our younger children.” See the April 28 edition of the Mount Vernon Optic-Herald for more information.