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Politics & Government

K2 Legislation Introduced in House

House Bill 5709 would require the state to analyze and report on synthetic marijuana.

Michigan state Rep. George Darany (D-Dearborn) on Wednesday introduced legislation aimed to combat the sale and use of synthetic marijuana in the state of Michigan, according to Darany's office.

The legislation–House Bill 5709–would require the Michigan Department of Community Health in cooperation with the State Police to analyze the content of the herbal mixtures and create a written report of its findings.

The bill concerns rampant sale and use of the synthetic drug known commonly as K2 or Spice. The drug has stirred up opposition in Michigan–especially recently, with several highly publicized cases of violence or health problems resulting in teens who used the drug.

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Darany said he believes there is bipartisan support for the HB 5709.

"It is no secret that these synthetic drugs have been marketed to our teens and young people," Darany said. "And because these chemical cocktails consistently undergo changes, these substances are often just as dangerous, if not more so, than the drugs they intend to copy. It is crucial in the fight against these substances that we understand the makeup of these mixtures and their major physiological and psychological implications.

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"My bill attacks the problem with this issue in mind," he added. "It will be an essential piece of the puzzle and will compliment changes already in play for the current state law. This legislation is an important step in helping our law enforcement officials protect our families and communities."

Royal Patch reported last week that

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