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SALT LAKE CITY — A bill to restrict access to the marijuana-like substance Spice moved closer to becoming law after passing the House with a 69-3 vote Thursday.
I don't think there's any doubt that these drugs, because of their production manufacturing, are far more dangerous … than marijuana.
–Rep. Gage Froerer
HB23 would make Spice a controlled substance. The bill now moves to the Senate for its consideration. Spice is currently sold at smoke shops and convenience stores as potpourri, incense or a legal smoking material. The drug, also known as K2, becomes similar to marijuana when sprayed with synthetic cannabinoids.
Rep. Gage Froerer, R-Huntsville, said that since marijuana is banned, so should its substitutes.
"I don't think there's any doubt that these drugs, because of their production manufacturing, are far more dangerous … than marijuana," said Froerer, the bill's sponsor.
Froerer acknowledged there might be more synthetic substances the Legislature will need to address in the future. "We may be on a yearly basis making adjustments," he said.
A statewide ban would mean local bans on the substance would not be necessary. Several cities and counties have passed bans on Spice in the past year.
E-mail: averzello@desnews.com
