Del. Scott Garrett, R-Lynchburg, said Monday he has filed legislation that would prohibit the sale of fake marijuana in Virginia.
Six other legislators, from widely scattered parts of the state, have proposed similar bills this fall. They will be considered in the General Assembly session that begins Jan. 12.
Emergency responders in Lynchburg recently found a young adult who had smoked a synthetic substance intended to produce a high similar to marijuana, Garrett said.
The victim was unresponsive and unable to move his arms or legs, Garrett said, and was taken to a hospital. The victim recovered.
Adverse side effects that have been reported include panic, anxiety and increased heart rate.
Garrett joins six other legislators who also have filed bills to treat synthetic marijuana as a schedule 1 controlled substance. Possession or sale of the material would carry penalties identical to those for real marijuana — with misdemeanor possession punishable by up to 12 months in jail.
Anyone possessing more than half an ounce could be convicted of a felony and face between one and 30 years in prison.
Synthetic marijuana, a chemical substance sprayed on herbal materials such as incense, is sold in retail outlets including some convenience stores and tobacco shops, police around Virginia have reported. It is also available on the Internet.
It is known by a variety of names, including K2, P.E.P., Spice, Serenity and The Greenhouse Effect.
Thirteen states, including Tennessee, Kentucky and Ohio, have made the substance illegal.
The Drug Enforcement Administration says it is concerned about the substance, but does not regulate it.
Other legislators who have proposed synthetic marijuana legislation to be considered in January are:
Sen. Ralph Smith, R-Botetourt County; Sen. Mark Herring, D-Loudoun County; Sen. Tommy Norment, R-Williamsburg; Sen. Edd Houck, D-Spotsylvania County; Del. Paula Miller, D-Norfolk, and Del. Glenn Oder, R-Newport News.
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