Banning of K2 drug advances

Synthetic cannabinoids would be banned under a bill receiving general file approval Jan. 25.

LB19, introduced by Omaha Sen. Beau McCoy, would expand the Uniform Controlled Substances Act to ban the class of synthetic cannabinoids used to make the drug commonly known as K2 or Spice.

School districts across the state report that K2 is the number one drug problem they face, McCoy said. Kids use the drug because it’s legal, he said, but it is actually more powerful than marijuana.

“K2 and all of its derivatives are incredibly dangerous,” he said. “Not just to the people who smoke them, but to people around them.”

Other states have made K2 illegal by banning specific compounds, he said, but K2 manufacturers have found ways around those laws by substituting other compounds.

LB19 therefore would ban the eight chemical classes and 700 chemical compounds used to make K2, he said, which would broaden the spectrum of illegal components and make K2 more difficult to legally manufacture in the state.

Omaha Sen. Scott Lautenbaugh spoke in support of the bill.

By banning classes rather than specific compounds, he said, the Legislature will avoid having to ban another form of K2 in the future.

LB19 advanced from general file on a 41-0 vote.