K2 - Synthetic Marijuana
Possible K2 Ban in North Carolina
Greensboro, NC -- It's easy to find an alternative to marijuana and it's legal in North Carolina. K2 is sold as incense, but people who want it banned think kids are using it to get high.
Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee have already banned K2, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
Four other states, New Jersey, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania, have pending legislation.
North Carolina lawmakers are talking about a ban, as well.
State Senator from Greensboro, Don Vaughan said K2 can be found at convenience stores, gas stations, newspaper stands and more. The back of the K2 packet reads that it's incense and not for consumption. The ingredients used to make the substance are similar to THC which is found in pot.
"The concern from the General Assembly is having it in the hands of young people," said Vaughan. "Having it in those people that are driving on our highways and other things. The high that it creates, is very much like other controlled substances that we have now."
Vaughan said K2 won't be available long after the General Assembly returns in January.
"What I plan to do is sponsor a bill that under the North Carolina general statutes will ban it's sale or use," explained Vaughan.
Vaughan said the senate will probably handle K2 similarly to the ban on Salvia divinorum, an herbal substance similar to K2.
"We made it unlawful to manufacture, sell it, deliver it or possess it," said Vaughan.
Senator Vaughan said there is already a committee researching the effects of K2 for the General Assembly.
There is already a ban on K2 at Fort Bragg. We spoke to a soldier in public affairs Sunday who says the ban is Army wide. Any soldier caught using K2 could lose rank or face court-martial.
WFMY News 2