For the third time in as few as 6-days, synthetic cannabinoids have been seized by Murfreesboro Police.

Cannabinoids (synthetic marijuana) are a class of diverse chemical compounds that help to repress a persons’ neurotransmitter release in the brain. To understand how synthetic marijuana works, you have to first understand that the drug is made in a lab and it is often far more dangerous than the real plant because of its potency. Depending on the compounds used to make the drug, it can be up to 800-times more powerful than real marijuana.

Officers pulled over 22-year old Drew Nathan Dias for failing to stop at two stop signs on East Burton Street. When police asked the owner of the car for permission to search the vehicle, it was granted. The owner was riding in the passenger seat. Police found an unopened package of 7H in the car. 7H is a synthetic cannabinoid packaged as potpourri, “not for human consumption.” Despite the packaging, the item is quite illegal to possess in Tennessee because it is considered a drug as it is often smoked by users.  

Dias, who stated he purchased the 7H, would not tell police where he bought it from. Dias was found to have an active “Violation of Probation” warrant with a bond set at $20,000. He was evidently on probation for marijuana possession. He now faces a charge for possession synthetic cannabinoids.

Below: Photo of Synthetic Cannabinoids

Additional Details on Synthetic Cannabinoids:

Synthetic marijuana type drugs are still legally sold in some states in packaging that is labeled “Not for human consumption.” The names on the packaging include, "Spice," "Black Mamba," "K2," "Fake Marijuana" and "Sexy Monkey.” It is illegal for synthetic drugs to be sold in Tennessee. The National Institute on Drug Abuse claims that synthetic forms of marijuana are the second most widely used drugs among high school students. The number one most used drug is real marijuana.

National Institute on Drug Abuse Reports:

For several years, Spice mixtures have been easy to purchase in head shops and gas stations and via the Internet. Because the chemicals used in Spice have a high potential for abuse and no medical benefit, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has designated the five active chemicals most frequently found in Spice as Schedule I controlled substances, making it illegal to sell, buy, or possess them. 

Source:

MPD Incident Report #13-22188