Gov. Butch Otter
Idaho Gov. Butch Otter on Friday approved a temporary rule proposed by the State Board of Pharmacy adding chemicals commonly found in an incense known as “Spice” to the list of controlled substances in Idaho.
The 2011 Legislature will consider permanently adding the chemicals in Spice – which produce a marijuana like high when smoked – to Idaho’s list of controlled substances.
But with growing community concerns, the governor said it was important to be aggressive in addressing the problem. The restrictions were also sought by the State Office of Drug Policy.
Idaho is the 14th state to take action on Spice, an herbal plant mixture soaked in chemical compounds developed to mimic THC found in pot. One chemical under the proposed rule is considered a controlled substance by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The other compounds commonly found in Spice are either listed as chemicals of concern by the DEA and are in the process of being temporarily listed under the Federal Controlled Substance Act or are analogues of such compounds.
A survey of Idaho hospitals between February and August reported more than 80 emergency room visits in that six-month period.
Spice is sold as an incense and “not for human consumption” as a means to avoid legal requirements and regulations.
Spice also is packaged as K2, Genie, Ultra, Summit, Blonde, Yucatan Gold, Bombay Blue, Black Mamba and many other names.
