Published Thursday, August 12, 2010 12:02 AM

K2 up for debate at council meeting

By CASSIE SMITH
cassie.smith@theeagle.com

The College Station City Council on Thursday will consider banning a legal, marijuana-like substance being sold at local convenience stores.

The agenda item for the 3 p.m. workshop meeting says the substance K2, which is also known as Spice, is a blend of herbs, spices and synthetic cannabinoids. It looks similar to marijuana and its effects can last three to five hours.

It is readily available throughout most of the nation and is sold online, in convenience stores and in smoke shops as incense. Locally, it sells for about $10 a gram, according to information provided to the City Council members.

Officials said they didn't know of any long-term studies of the effects of K2, but there are several side effects, including euphoria, sleepiness, agitation, vomiting, hallucinations, seizures and elevated blood pressure. It can also affect the cardiovascular and central nervous system.

Pending state legislation would make it illegal to possess or sell the substance; but, if passed, the legislation wouldn't take effect until September 2011.

The Dallas City Council is the most recent elected body to ban the substance.

Bryan Police spokesman Jon Agnew said Wednesday that Bryan officials are also concerned about the effects of the substance and are planning to make a presentation about K2 to the Bryan City Council.

College Station Police Department officials said there have been three or four instances over the past year in which officers have encountered individuals under the influence of K2.

IF YOU GO

* What: College Station City Council workshop meeting

* When: 3 p.m. Thursday

* Where: City Hall Council Chambers, 1101 Texas Ave.

* Agenda: Presentation scheduled by College Station Police Chief Jeff Capps about K2, a marijuana-like substance also known as Spice. The City Council could move to ban the substance in the city.

---

Notice about comments: Theeagle.com is pleased to offer readers the ability to comment on stories. We expect our readers to engage in lively, yet civil discourse. Theeagle.com cannot promise that readers will not occasionally find offensive or inaccurate comments posted in the comments area. Responsibility for the statements posted lies with the person submitting the comment, not theeagle.com. If you find a comment that is objectionable, please click "report abuse" and we will review it for possible removal. Please be reminded, however, that in accordance with our Terms of Use and federal law, we are under no obligation to remove any third party comments posted on our website. Full terms and conditions can be read here. The Eagle is proud to offer our users enhanced commenting features. You can now build user-to-user connections, follow friend's recent posts, add an avatar that fits your personality, and more. If you have posted here before you’ll need to sign up again and if you’ve never posted start now by signing up!.