K2/Spice Facts and Statistics
What are some important K2 facts and Spice statistics that loved ones should know? Furthermore, what do the statistics suggest about the dangers of K2/Spice? Some important K2 drug statistics include:
- As of September 30, 2019, poison control centers across the United States managed 886 phone calls related to synthetic cannabinoid exposure for this year
- In 2016, there were over 2,500 phone calls to poison control centers across the country for exposure to K2/Spice related drugs
- In 2014, nearly 200 different cannabinoid compounds were reported in batches of K2/Spice
- Over 28,000 visits to emergency rooms in 2011 were linked to K2/Spice use
- Of those emergency room visits, 70% involved males while 30% involved females
- 78% of emergency room visits involve individuals from ages 12-29
Perhaps because of how K2/Spice is marketed to the youth (e.g. bright and appealing packaging), more young people try the drug. As a result, because more young people use K2/Spice relatively to older individuals, there are more emergency room visits and calls to poison control centers involving young people.
K2/Spice Abuse and Treatment Trends in South Florida
Specifically in Florida, what are the trends regarding K2/Spice use? Based on data collected from poison control centers, 77 calls about K2 in Florida were made from January 2019 to the end of September, making Florida one of the most vulnerable states to K2/Spice misuse. Florida and New York have a similar number of calls (75 calls), with the most amount of calls made coming from Texas (102 calls). Individuals in Florida may wonder, is K2/Spice legal in Florida? The answer is that no, K2/Spice is no longer legal in Florida.
Under Florida Statute § 893.03(1)(c), individuals convicted of possessing less than 3 grams of K2/Spice may face sentencing including:
- Up to one year in prison
- Up to one year of probation
- Up to a $1,000 fine
- A driver’s license suspension if found guilty (2 years)
- Evaluation, screening, and treatment for substance abuse during probation period
If an individual possesses more than 3 grams of K2/Spice in Florida, they may face a third-degree felony charge and sentencing including:
- Up to five years in prison
- Up to five years of probation
- Up to a $5,000 fine
- A driver’s license suspension if found guilty (2 years)
- Evaluation, screening, and treatment for substance abuse during probation period
- Potential for any vehicle or property that was used in the felony to be seized by the government
From the information above it is clear that not only are there severe side effects associated with using the Spice drug in Florida, but also the potential to be charged with a third-degree felony.