Dubuque Police Watching for K-2 from Neighboring States

By Katie Wiedemann, Reporter

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By Aaron Hepker

Story Created: Jul 21, 2010 at 9:24 PM CST

Story Updated: Jul 21, 2010 at 9:43 PM CST

DUBUQUE, Iowa - A popular potpourri, like incense, is now illegal in Iowa. The Iowa Board of Pharmacy put an emergency ban on the sale and use of what they call K-2.

It’s often marketed as fake or synthetic marijuana. Authorities say it’s already responsible for the death of one central Iowa teenager. It can cause panic attacks, hallucinations and seizures.

Dubuque Police are now watching for people bringing K-2 to Iowa from neighboring states.

Until Wednesday morning, Matt Schrodt sold K-2 or “spice” almost every day. He knows some people like to smoke it. That’s why he made sure anyone who asked for it was 18 and made them sign a waiver, agreeing they understand it’s not for human consumption. Schrodt said, “If they did say anything to that effect while they are in my store, then I wouldn’t sell it to them.”

Dan Downs came into the store looking for K-2. He wouldn’t say whether he’d ever smoked it before … but says he’s never seen anyone have a bad reaction after smoking it. Downs said, “I don’t think it causes any harm. I think it’s safer than most things out there.”

Right now K-2 is legal in Illinois and Wisconsin but if you cross the border into Iowa it immediately becomes illegal to possess or have in your system. And police say they’ll charge you.

Dubuque Drug Task Force Director Dale Snyder said, “You would be charges with operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of a narcotic.”

Snyder says punishment depends on each county’s policy, but it could mean a fine or jail time.

But as easy as it would be to cross the state line to buy it, Schrodt says it’s just as easy to buy K-2 on the Internet. Either way he hopes the new Iowa law helps people understand the danger of smoking it.

Dubuque drug officers say if you have K-2 and voluntarily turn it over to police, they will not charge you.

Next Article Dubuque Group Pushes Prayer at Council Meetings

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