Synthetic Cannabinoids Banned in Boston

Due to rising health concerns, officials united to ban the dangerous drugs

Boston mayor Martin J. Walsh's signature banned synthetic cannabinoid products in the city, effective Friday, August 14, 2015.

A few days prior, on Wednesday, August 12, Boston's city council had unanimously voted to outlaw all sales of 'synthetic marijuana' and similar compounds, citing the increasing danger these substances pose to residents.

According to the press release, Mayor Walsh stated, "I thank the City Council for working on this important measure to better protect our residents from these extremely dangerous substances that are becoming increasingly accessible and more targeted towards our young people."

He continued, "This ordinance is another step to create a healthier Boston for today's youth and future generations."

Councilor Frank Baker added, "As a Boston City Councilor and father of two young children, I am delighted to see the swift passage of an ordinance that will prohibit the distribution and possession of these very dangerous designer drugs that are negatively impacting our communities."

Baker went on to say, "It is my hope that this ordinance will give our law enforcement officials the authority to enforce not just the sale and possession of the synthetic marijuana found in our stores today, but all types of synthetic chemical compounds produced in the future."

It is not just the sales of the chemicals that have been made illegal but also possession or distribution, their manufacture or even usage. The penalty is a fine of $300.

A loophole in federal and state law has been sewn shut via the new ordinance. Previously, retailers but especially manufacturers circumvented the legal wording that bans the sale of specific synthetic drugs that were considered controlled substances. A simple chemical restructuring of each product allowed the drugs to avoid detection by replacing substances on the DEA's list of prohibited compounds.

Although a dangerous misnomer, synthetic marijuana products were originally, and now superficially, intended to replicate the various effects imparted by actual Cannabis use. In reality, a wide and disturbing range of chemical compounds is sprayed upon herbal material. These drugs are typically packaged in flashy, metallic packets daubed with colorful themes and names. K2 and Spice are common brand names across the United States, with those and their ilk offered for sale in innocuous locations such as gas stations, tobacco shops, convenience stores and smoke shops.

The effects range from mild for some users to catastrophic for others. Side-effects including dizziness, nausea and dangerous increases in heart rate and body temperature can be compounded by hallucinations and/or fits of rage. Those who experience such extreme effects often exhibit superhuman strength and scores of officers are required to contain them. Others hurt themselves or even commit suicide.