Synthetic marijuana is a growing problem in Michigan

As law enforcement tactics continue to evolve when it comes to investigating drug crimes, drug users and chemists continue to evolve their process of staying undetected. When police criminalize one compound or ingredient in a drug, someone will find a way to get around that obstacle. With the laws and drugs changing so quickly, a person can find themselves facing drug charges in Michigan without knowing what they have done wrong.

Recently, a cheap and legal synthetic type of marijuana has been appealing to teens and young adults across the state. The leafy substance is referred to as "spice" or "K2" and is sold in places like gas stations and other retailers. It is sold as potpourri and has been sprayed with chemicals that technically make it not suitable to be consumed by humans.

However, many students are experimenting with smoking the substance. Because it is cheap and legal, at least for now, it is attracting young users. It is quite dangerous, though. Some users have experienced seizures after getting high off of synthetic marijuana.

Legally speaking, people are smoking spice while on probation because they think that synthetic marijuana use is permitted because it is still legal. However, legislators have changed the language that defines the terms of probation. Instead of prohibiting drug or alcohol use, the law now says that a person on probation must refrain from all mind or mood altering substances.

Parents and young adults may want to be aware of spice and the risks - both legal and medical - associated with using it. Because the language of some drug laws can change relatively quickly, the fact that this particular synthetic substance is technically legal now does not mean it will not be illegal tomorrow. Without warning, a person can find them facing criminal charges for something that he or she thought was legal. In these cases, having an attorney who fully understands drug laws could go a long way in challenging the charges.

Source: Observer & Eccentric, "Spice, K2 on local radar as growing problem," Stacy Jenkins, May 6, 2012