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Prosecutor proposes K2 ban
GREENCASTLE -- Putnam County Prosecutor Tim Bookwalter has proposed an ordinance that would ban the local sales of an incense blend known by the brand names K2 or Spice.
The ordinance will go to the Putnam County Commissioners in the near future.
The substance is made of herbs, spices and synthetic cannabinoids (a blanket term for compounds found in the cannabis plant that are structurally related to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a main component of marijuana).
Mostly produced in China and Korea and sold throughout the world as incense, K2 has become increasingly popular as a smoked recreational drug (despite a warning label that says it is for "aromatherapy use only" and is "not for consumption").
It is legal and readily available across the United States and online.
"I have received a number of complaints from citizens about the sale of these items, including to minors in our county," Bookwalter said. "They are being sold in Putnam County, and the research shows they pose a risk to public safety."
Some types of K2 are Blonde, Summit, Standard, Blue, Pink and Citron.
"It is sold at convenience stores as incense, but sometimes rolling papers are sold right next to it," Bookwalter said. "The Indiana Poison Control Center has reported 76 cases of Spice toxicity this year."
In addition, Bookwalter said, the July death of a Middletown woman was possibly linked to K2 use.
"I have discussed this with law enforcement officials, physicians and (Greencastle) Mayor Sue Murray," Bookwalter said. "We will all encourage the commissioners to pass this ordinance."
A local convenience store employee, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said he frequently sells K2 at his store, and that people come in specifically looking for it.
"Unfortunately, we sell a lot of it," he said. "I personally sell probably at least two packages a day, and that's just me."
The employee said he hopes the local ban is successful and that K2 will be taken out of his store.
"I hate selling it to people," he said.
Bookwalter said he urged parents to "watch this issue closely."
Negative side effects of K2 use can include increased agitation and vomiting. Some users have also reported experiencing hallucinations and paranoia.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration considers K2 a "drug of concern."
"We're in the early stages of trying to figure out how potent it is," DEA Spokesman David Ausiello said during a July interview with USA Today.
The sale and possession of K2 has been banned in Kansas, Kentucky and Iowa, and the Arkansas Board of Health recently passed an emergency order to ban the sale of K2 in the state.
Alabama and Missouri have banned K2 altogether. Along with Indiana, Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota and Illinois are taking measures to ban the substance.
When the Indiana Legislature reconvenes in January, State Rep. John Barnes (D-Indianapolis) plans to introduce a bill that would outlaw K2 for sale or use statewide.