Politics & Government

Legal Drugs More Harmful Than Marijuana?

Teens and adults can legally buy synthetic marijuana and other potentially harmful substances right here in Shorewood.

Tucked between a nail salon and a mailing store next to is one of several stores in Shorewood selling legal drugs. on Route 59 at Route 52 is another.

Marketed as incense, products named "Jamaican Gold Bud" and "Hawaiian Haze" are among hundreds, if not thousands of products widely available.

An average 15-year-old can legally drop $20 and get stoned with unknown long-term health consequences.

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Starting Jan. 1, that will change. State's Attorney Jim Glasgow and Rep. Tom Cross, R-Oswego, drafted legislation making these products illegal in Illinois.

In Shorewood, these products are available in public, obvious places. In the tobacco shop next to Dominick's, the owner explained these synthetic drugs are very popular.

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It's surprising how many different kinds of people buy it. He sees both blue-collar workers and white-collar executives ask for it. Many people believe these products don't show up in a drug test, he said.

"They should have banned it a long time ago," he said. "That's the best thing to do."

As a business owner, he said he couldn't afford to not sell it. Many people buy their cigarettes where they can buy these synthetic drugs. Because his competitors are selling it, he has to, too.

At Cigarettes For Less, these products are displayed next to other drug paraphernalia, such as glass pipes, hookahs, one-hitters and pipes that look like cigarettes.

These synthetic drugs are packaged in foil and plastic pouches, or in clear cylinders. The average size is 1 to 4 grams, costing $10 to $20 each.

There are many brands, including Wicked X Herbal Potpourri, Purple Magic, XXX, Delicious, Mr. Smiley, Cloud Nine, Kush, Bad Bone, Head Trip, VIP, Happy Hour, Jersey Shore, Wild Greens and Maui Hybrid.

Some brands are available in different flavors, like strawberry, blueberry, watermelon and pomegranate.

Glasgow called these companies cagey. If a state bans one formula, the company quickly ships in a different formula. The packaging reflects that.

"Lab certified, does not contain any DEA banned ingredients" and "50 states legal," read the labels.

"Clearly the harm to children is unknown," Glasgow said.

These synthetic drugs have never been examined for long-term damage. It is not known if they cause respiratory problems, cancer, or brain damage, he said.

Check back Monday for more on synthetic marijuana.


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