Indianapolis, IN—
It's called "spice," or "K2" or "kind," and with each passing day it is growing in popularity. The legal substance sold widely at head shops here in central Indiana and online is also raising more than a few eyebrows."We don't know what the impact on the human body is, this is not a safe product," said Nancy Beals with Drug Free Marion County.
Drug Free Marion County has become increasingly wary of the product. So wary the group is now working with local researchers on a chemical assay -- a test to get to the bottom of exactly what's in it.
"The composition of the herbal base, the interaction of the chemical, the spray on top of it," said Beals.
Local lawmakers are also taking notice and plan to take action.
"It's scary that it's so pervasive and it's almost like they want to cash in while it is still legal or there isn't any kind of ban," said Rep. John Barnes.
Rep. Barnes is pushing for legislation, and wants to hit the ground running when lawmakers reconvene in January.
"It's not something that you should be afraid of," said Asagai Barton.
There are proponents. Asagai Barton sells the substance, and unlike many head shops, he sells it as something to be smoked, not used as incense. Barton claims spice is safe, as long as users know what's in it, and how potent the particular batch is.
"I don't want people to be scared of spice per se. I do want people to be concerned about what they're purchasing that doesn't have a label on it," said Barton.
"Just as we're taking steps to protect lettuce in the marketplace, we need to take steps to protect folks from these kind of drugs and chemicals," said Beals.
Test results from the chemical assay won't be available for several months.
