Last updated : December 23, 2024
Ohio has permanently banned two designer drugs used to create synthetic marijuana products.
The legislation applies to PB-22 and 5F-PB-22, two cannabinoid substances that are intended to mimic the effects of marijuana when smoked.
Synthetic marijuana products are typically marketed as herbal potpourri or incense and are sold under names such as Spice, Skunk, K2, Nitro, Red Ball, Puff, Genie, Blueberry Haze, Sativah Herbal Smoke and others.
PB-22 and 5F-PB-22 do not have any known commercial or medicinal uses, and their origins are unclear. Their use was not noted until their appearance on the designer drug market. The drugs caught the attention of the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation during the first five months of 2013. Last June, the state pharmacy board and the attorney general’s office initiated the process of making the two substances illegal. Under the new ban, any compound having the same basic chemical structure as PB-22 or 5F-PB-22 are considered illegal, even if the product in question has not yet been developed. The ban is part of Ohio’s comprehensive effort to curb the use and availability of both synthetic drugs and street drugs like heroin.
With no formal studies to reference, little is known about the safety or long-term effects of PB-22 and 5F-PB-22. The substances have both been found in the contents of herbal potpourri products, which typically consist of unidentifiable flowers, leaves or other plant materials laced with chemicals. The mixtures are falsely labeled as 100 percent natural. Although their packaging usually states that such products are not intended for consumption, users understand that the contents are supposed to deliver a natural and legal high similar to the one produced by smoking marijuana.
Synthetic marijuana products are alarmingly popular among students and young adults. They don’t show up on drug tests, and they are easily obtained at head shops and convenience stores. Medical professionals issue fervent warnings concerning the potential dangers of fake marijuana. The unregulated blends of unknown plant matter and potentially toxic chemicals has caused a number of serious consequences. Emergency room doctors have observed symptoms such as agitation, hallucinations, elevated heart rate, high blood pressure, tremors, seizures, vomiting, strokes and even kidney damage in teens and adults who have taken the drugs. In many cases, the adverse reactions occurred after the first use.
