LETTER: More spice data needed

To the editor:

     This letter is in response to the “Speaking up for the twelve percent” article printed on 9/29/10. The author seemed to be a little confused regarding the nature and safety of Spice.

    The toxicity of Spice can not be compared to that of marijuana. While Spice chemicals act on the same receptors as THC, causing a similar effect as THC, they could have very different toxicities. The toxicity of the chemicals in Spice must be determined by testing those specific chemicals, not by assuming they are the same as THC.

    So what chemicals are in Spice? Unfortunately, the packages of Spice do not disclose what chemicals are in it, nor the quantity of those chemicals. Studies have found at least seven different cannabinoids in Spice. They have also found huge variation in both the chemicals and doses found in Spice. One could potentially get different chemicals at different doses every time they buy Spice, even if one buys the same blend each time.

    Of the chemicals identified in Spice, there is little to no toxicity data available. No one really knows what the long term effects of smoking Spice are. Without this data, people can not make an educated and informed decision about smoking Spice.

    What is known is that Cache Valley has seen more than 200 emergency room visits as a direct result of Spice, averaging 2-4 visits each week. While Cache Valley has not had any deaths from Spice, a simple google search reveals that other areas have not been so lucky. People are getting hurt from Spice. Rather than bashing Logan City for banning Spice, we should be educating those around us on the potential dangers of Spice and encouraging them to make healthier choices.

Andrew Russell