Idaho officials are working together to find an acceptable solution to the growing use of an incense product people are using to get high.
The Idaho Board of Pharmacy and the Idaho Office of Drug Policy have not found a resolution on how to tackle the use of the substance, known as “Spice” or “K2”.
Board Director Mark Johnston says because the problem has only come up recently, no one has concluded what should be done. The board doesn’t have the authority to necessarily ban substances. It can only develop rules in dealing with the drug, which must ultimately be accepted or rejected by the Legislature.
The incense is sold as a product not for human consumption, a guideline that prevents it from being subjected to Food and Drug Administration regulations, as well as some rules in Idaho.
When smoked, the substance produces a marijuana-like high, but it can also come with hazardous side effects, including nausea, vomiting, increased agitation, elevated blood pressure, seizures, and loss of consciousness. While there have been no reported deaths in Idaho as a result of use of Spice, a woman in Indiana died after smoking the product.
A spokesperson with the Idaho Office of Drug Policy says Spice is gaining popularity because it cannot be detected by typical drug tests and that it can be produced easily at home.
The board may decide what action to take on Spice at its next meeting in October. (IdahoReporter.com)
