The focus of the warrant was what the task force refers to as "the illegal sale of synthetic cannabinoids commonly known as 'Spice.' Spice is a mixture of herbs that is sprayed with synthetic chemical compounds to produce a psychoactive product similar to marijuana."
Plenty of folks may take issue with that description. Note that the CDPHE lists the effects of spice on a number of young patients as "disorientation, delirium, confusion, anxiety, lethargy, agitation, paranoia, hallucinations and seizures," only the mildest of which might apply to pot.The product's packaging is frequently marked "not for human consumption" and identified as "potpourri," but that doesn't stop people (mostly teen and pre-teen males) from smoking it.
The task force seized 707 grams of spice said to be for sale at Down Low, including material packaged as Scooby Snax....
...and Mr. Happy: The spice reportedly has a "street value" of $5,400.Anthony Cortese, Bruce Lunder and Devin Pratt -- the shop's owner, manager and an employee, respectively -- have been arrested in the case. Cortese is suspected of unlawful possession of synthetic cannabinoids with intent to distribute and conspiracy to distribute, while Lunder and Pratt booked on the former charge only.
The legalization of recreational pot sales has likely cut back on the task force's work load. But members have clearly found a way to keep busy, and if they're going to shift their attention to spice, few users of genuine marijuana are apt to complain.
Send your story tips to the author, Michael Roberts.
More from our Marijuana archive circa September 2013: "Synthetic marijuana: Worse for kids than the real thing?"
