As legislators tackle a drug problem that has rapidly spread in Maine, a work session has been scheduled on Friday, May 10 at 1 p.m. for L.D. 661, "An Act to Prohibit Sale or Possession of Synthetic Cannabinoids." This bill was introduced by Rep. Adam A. Goode of Bangor, and has many cosponsors in both houses of the legislature.
Synthetic cannabinoids are being sold in head shops and many convenience stores in Portland and all over Maine. They are also available nationwide and over the Internet. The various brand names come under the general terms of "Spice" and K2.
The product is packaged in brightly colored bags with names that appeal to young people, who are the target market. It may say "incense" on the packet or "not for human consumption," but those buying it know that its purpose is to give a high similar to that obtained from smoking a "joint," officials note. In fact when the Spice material is placed into cigarette rolling paper, it is also referred to as a "joint."
The similarity ends there, however. Because experimental chemicals are placed into the plant material in unknown quantities, the potency is difficult to gauge. There is an unpredictable element connected to smoking Spice, and sometimes just a few "tokes" may place someone into a perilous condition requiring immediate medical attention.
Addiction is one of the outcomes of constant use and withdrawal can be quite harsh.
Roy McKinney, the director of Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, finds it disturbing that these products are so readily available, and was one of those who testified at the public hearing on the bill on March 22 of this year.
He was quite impressed when he heard what Dylan Young had to say on that occasion. The 13-year-old Augusta boy who spoke gave a first-person account of his very negative experience with Spice, causing him to spend four nights in the intensive care unit of a hospital. McKinney said, "He carried himself very well — drove it home."
McKinney comments on his feelings regarding the manufacture and sale of these products: "It's about a disregard for public health and public safety." McKinney wants the bill strengthened by adding an amendment that will use generic language to capture those drugs classified as synthetic cannabinoids. He said 33 states have adopted versions of the generic language to prevent the necessity of having to schedule each synthetic substance specifically. The problem with listing each substance has been that by changing one or two molecules in the chemical composition, the substance becomes something entirely different but is no less harmful, although it would be legal.
McKinney says the object of the bill is "banning dangerous substances so no one can get it. And we want to hold the sellers accountable." Some states that have passed similar laws are meting out severe punishment to shops that continue trying to sell the products. Those states are removing stock, taking away business licenses, and are imposing very high fines against shops that are noncompliant.
McKinney states, "Selling Spice is unethical and immoral, but not criminal." He says shipments come from overseas from countries that don't regulate chemicals, and wants to see more federal and international cooperation. McKinney said, "There is no consistency from lot to lot. The people mix chemicals in huge lots and coat the plant material. Sometimes they use large troughs or cement mixers."
In McKinney's testimony he discussed the wide-ranging and potentially fatal aspect of these drugs, which are cheap, easy to make, and return a high profit for manufacturers and distributors.
Dr. Karen Simone is a toxicologist who works for the Northern New England Poison Center, which serves Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. She said they've gone from zero calls in Maine in 2010 to 55 last year related to Spice. So far this year they've responded to 16 calls from Maine. These calls are coming from hospitals with sick patients who have taken Spice.
Dr. Simone said most people suffer from a fast heart rate, a bad "trip," and elevated blood pressure.
"We worry about what people would do while they're that upset." She referred to these people as "scared individuals," she said.
The number for the Poison Center is 1-800-222-1222. At that number officials deal with emergency issues and will answer basic questions as well.
Maine Rep. Ben Chipman, who represents District 119, which includes Bayside, East Bayside, and the Parkside neighborhoods of Portland, said he could see the need for legislation. When asked about his feelings on the topic of Spice, he said, "It sounds like something that shouldn't be sold over the counter."
Discussing the work session that is planned for L.D. 661, Chipman said a formal vote will be taken the same day the work session is held. If there's a split vote, a discussion will be held in the House. If the bill receives a unanimous vote, there won't be a formal vote held later on, and the bill will pass "under the hammer."
The bill could become law 90 days after the end of the legislative session in which it was passed. A bill can become law immediately if the legislature declares an emergency exists, by a two-thirds vote of each chamber. It would then take effect the date it is signed by the governor.