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Byhalia outlaws hallucinogen By SUE WATSON
Staff Writer Byhalia
has passed an ordinance making it a misdemeanor to possess, use, buy or
sell, or display for sale or attempt to give or sale the herb Salvia
divinorum or any of its derivatives. The town ordinance was approved by the board of aldermen and signed by mayor Phil Malone September 21. Use
of the plant, which contains powerful hallucinogenic compounds, has
been outlawed in several states, including Mississippi, under the name
synthetic cannabinoid or synthetic marijuana. Substances
in the plant produce intoxication or induce hallucination when
swallowed. The intoxicating effects are reported to be similar to
tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), marijuana and/or the substance
methcathinone, a white powder used as a research chemical but not
approved for use in the United States. The substance has been marketed under the name “Spice,” “K-2,” and “Fire N Ice,” “Skunk” and other appellations. The herb is taken as a tea or extract by those who want to achieve a psychedelic effect. It is reported to be non-addictive. The
synthetic substances which produce euphoric or stimulant like effects
which have been banned by the Town of Byhalia and towns and cities
across the country include Mephedrone, 4-MMC, HU-210, JWH-018/spice,
JWH-073, and TMFIP. Many of the substances have
been available over the Internet and have been outlawed for use in
other countries such as Australia, Denmark, Germany, New Zealand and
Sweden. Other slang terms for 4-Methymethcathinone, banned in Israel
since December 2007, are Mephedrone, 4-MMC, Meow, M-Cat and Bubbles. Synthetic
marijuana or K2 does not show a positive reading on urinalysis which
adds to its desirability and growth in use by drug abusers, according
to the language in SB 2004 sent to the governor to sign following the
2010 Second Extraordinary Session. Sen. Bill Stone was an author of the bill.
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