Synthetic marijuana has been around for years now but a recent “spike” in overdoses has brought it back into the spotlight.

Synthetic marijuana products like spice and K2 are illegal in Pennsylvania as well as across the country.  These designer drugs are made in laboratories and sold commercially.  While they are sold as marijuana substitutes, they have different chemical makeups and different effects on users.

One legal problem that arises when a drug attracts attention and is “hot”, is wrongful arrests.  Sometime officers are so focused in on the latest hot drug that any person exhibiting similar behavior is charged under that crime.  For example, according to reports, common clues for synthetic marijuana use are erratic behavior, hallucinations, and rage.  However,  these traits are not specific to use of this drug or to any other drug for that matter.  Someone may be suffering from a seizure, trauma, bipolar disorder, or other conditions which may cause them to exhibit the same traits as someone overdosing on K2.  This makes it difficult for officers to differentiate and results in wrongful arrests which can be challenged based on forensic examinations.

Justin McShane

PA DUI attorney Justin J. McShane is the President/CEO of The McShane Firm, LLC - Pennsylvania's top criminal law and DUI law firm. He is the highest rated DUI attorney in PA as rated by Avvo.com. Justin McShane is a double Board certified attorney. He is the first and so far the only Pennsylvania attorney to achieve American Bar Association recognized board certification in DUI defense from the National College for DUI Defense, Inc. He is also a Board Certified Criminal Trial Advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, a Pennsylvania Supreme Court Approved Agency.