State Rep. Amanda Reeve (R-Cave Creek) has proposed a bill that would make synthetic drugs marketed as Spice or K2 illegal in the state. The products are also known Skunk, Yucatan Fire, Black Mamba, Blaze and Red X Dawn and are sold as incense, though users typically smoke them like marijuana. The ingredients are currently illegal under federal law but not state law.
“Spice, K2 and similar products pose a serious danger to people who use them and to the safety of our communities. There is no reason Arizona should permit the sale and use of this dangerous drug which is already banned under federal law,” said Reeve, whose district includes the Cave Creek area and parts of northern Phoenix. “Having these products legally available only adds to the challenge faced by Arizona law enforcement in fighting the problems caused by illegal drugs,” she added.
If approved, Reeve’s bill will classify the chemical compound used in synthetic cannabis products as a dangerous drug prohibited for sale, transfer or use under Arizona’s Criminal Code. A bill with similar language is expected to be proposed in the State Senate.
“This synthetic dangerous drug is being falsely presented to our youth as a safe, legal alternative to marijuana when in fact it is neither safe nor legal, nor is it marijuana,” commented Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery. “I applaud Rep. Reeve for taking steps to ban these products and I call on her colleagues in the Legislature to support this effort.”
