K2 Alternatives Ban Awaits Governor's Signature

House Bill 641, sponsored by Representative Ward Franz (R-West Plains) was Truly Agreed and Finally Passed Tuesday, May 10, 2011. HB 641 adds all synthetic cannabinoids (K2 alternatives) as well as synthetic cocaine that are being sold as bath salts, to the list of Schedule I controlled substances and make possession of it a class C felony. “I am proud that Missouri continues to be a leader in the fight to protect our children from the harms of these dangerous drugs,” said Representative Franz. “This legislation has sparked a nation-wide investigation by legislatures and law enforcement agencies into the best methods to stop the plague of synthetic drugs. The public has made it clear that they want this issue addressed.” HB 641 is the direct result of the need to close an unintended loophole in last year’s ban on K2, HB 1472. In the wake of the passage of HB 1472, which only banned a specific version of the synthetic cannabinoids, dozens of new versions sprang onto the shelves. All these newly created synthetic cannabinoids as well as the newest synthetic substance called bath salts, which are actually synthetic cocaine, have recently caused great concern among law enforcement because of their popularity among youth because they are known as a “legal high.” “Those manufacturing and selling these substances know that it is not only harmful, but that they are also purposely designed to skirt the law,” said Rep. Franz. “It is frustrating when individuals continue to make and sell this stuff just to make a profit.” Now that HB 641 has received final approval it heads to the governor for his signature. All synthetic cannabinoids and synthetic cocaine will become illegal on August 28, 2011—provided no veto.