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The stories and rumors about Demi Moore‘s recent medical emergency/drug-induced hospitalization just keep getting weirder and weirder. First, she was “exhausted.” Then, she was on “whip-its” (a drug that I didn’t realize anyone who wasn’t a 16-year-old barista was using). Now, it’s widely believed that the “stuff” she’d been smoking, which was mentioned in the 911 call, was “ spice” or “K2,” a supremely stupid, dangerous–and legal–synthetic version of cannabis, available at smoke shops and convenience stores. Maybe now this ridiculous drug will get the attention it deserves.
Much like the recently-outlawed “bath salts,” “spice” is a synthetic drug that, because of its complex chemical make-up, is very difficult to ban–despite the fact that it’s pretty well known to be a dangerous drug that can cause hallucinations, seizure-like attacks, and swift changes to mood and personality (much like those seen in users of PCP) that can make smokers dangerous. Though the DEA continually tries to criminalize the drug, which is often marketed as “incense,” manufacturers are able to subtly change or alter the composition of it, rendering it just beyond the confines of the law. It’s unregulated (meaning there’s not even an age restriction), unpoliced, and generally untrustworthy.
But what’s crazy about “spice” is that it’s far more dangerous than the illegal drug it’s supposedly replacing. “Spice” is most often referred to and sold as a synthetic, legal version of cannabis, which gives potential users the illusion of safety. Real marijuana–particularly that which is controlled and sold by medical dispensaries–pretty much never causes a user to “freak out,” hallucinate, have a seizer, or kill other people the way users of “spice” do. Also, real marijuana is rarely made up of a laundry list of artificial and potentially lethal chemicals.
But when a drug that’s unregulated is permitted to be marketed however the manufacturers want (because there’s no legal precedent for a fake drug such as this) and is sold in convenience stores, and another drug that is, by and large, recognized to be mostly safe as far as drugs go is still banned for open use and sale, many law-abiding folks will purchase the legal, seemingly-safe alternative.
It’s kind of amazing to think of someone as public and generally well-respected as Demi Moore choosing to smoke something that’s so clearly unhealthy and sketchy. But then, “spice” has remained mostly under the radar for the last few years, despite numerous incidents of dangerous behavior and death, and there are still plenty of people who may not realize just how dangerous it is. It’s unfortunate to see Moore in such a painful–and public–position, but if it makes more parents and teens aware of the risks of this stupid, legal drug, maybe it will help stop future “spice” injuries and deaths from happening.
Image: MSN and The AP/CBS
I have actually literally died off of Potpourri (the updated legal version of spice) and it caused me to seize up and throw up blood and even after being brought back I was still going in and out and consciousness. I stopped right after that, this stuff is no joke and so dangerous. Honestly, the government is ridiculous for still making weed illegal because all these synthetic made drugs are so much more dangerous.
Where did you get this info? Spice IS illegal, and has been since march of last year.
I loved how in the AP news story, city officials ordered that the Fire Dept redact portions of the 911 call which revealed what it was she was smoking.
Then…
halfway down the AP article, they released other parts of the 911 call that did exactly what they were supposed to be redacting against — violating Ms. Moore’s right to privacy.
Sadly, she doesn’t have a right to privacy, at least in relation to this. 911 calls are public record.
“But what’s crazy about “spice” is that it’s far less dangerous than the illegal drug it’s supposedly replacing”
You mean /more/ dangerous, right?
” Real marijuana–particularly that which is controlled and sold by medical dispensaries–pretty much never causes a user to “freak out,” hallucinate, have a seizer, or kill other people the way users of “spice” do. “
Oh, you’re totally right. Yes, I definitely mean more. Fixed, thanks!