State Rep. Patricia Widlitz (D-Branford, Guilford) on Monday called for a new state law that bans the sale and possession of synthetic cannabinoids, including products commonly known as K2, Spice and Liquid Gold, which produce a marijuana-like high.
Joining with other legislators, parents, students and advocates for the CT Prevention Network, Widlitz spoke out about the dangers of the synthetic substances that have become increasingly popular, particularly among students and young adults during a press conference Monday at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.
“In addition to banning these substances, education is very important. We need to get the word out to the public and especially parents that these products are dangerous,” said Widlitz, who is sponsoring legislation banning the sale and possession of synthetic cannabinoids.
The products consist of plant material that has been coated with research chemicals that mimic THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, and are sold at retail outlets, convenience stores, gas stations and on the Internet. The chemicals have not been approved for human consumption by the FDA and there is no government oversight of the manufacturing process. The brands K2, Spice, Blaze and Red X Dawn are sold as incense to mask their intended purpose, officials of the CT Prevention Network said.
There are 15 states that have passed legislation to prohibit the sale and possession of synthetic cannabis.
Widlitz serves the 98th Assembly District, which consists of portions of Branford and Guilford. She is the House chairwoman of the Appropriations Committee. She is also a member of the Banks and Public Health committees.
