Sen. Shapiro and Rep. Madden Announce Passage of K2 Legislation

This bill creates a statewide ban of the manufacture, sale, and production of K2; will go into effect as soon as the Governor signs into law

AUSTIN, TEXAS — State Senator Florence Shapiro (R-District 8) and State Representative Jerry Madden (R-District 67) announced that Senate Bill 331, a bill to ban a form of synthetic marijuana, today passed the Texas House of Representatives. The bill unanimously passed the Texas Senate in March, and will become effective as soon as it is signed into law by Governor Rick Perry.

Shapiro said upon the passage of this legislation, "After working with a host of important partners in law enforcement, the medical community, education, and other community-minded organizations, I am grateful that our year of work together has come to fruition in such a significant way."

This bill is the most comprehensive K2 legislation in the nation. It will render illegal six subclasses of synthetic cannabinoids that street chemists have been using to create a series of very harmful legal drugs. The bill creates a new Penalty Group 2-A to regulate the substances and make possession a misdemeanor offense, but will also ensure that manufacturers and sellers be charged with a felony.

Shapiro and Madden felt it was critical to address this growing problem since it was legal and most users did not realize the extremely harmful consequences and health risks. The reported side effects include: hallucination, severe agitation, elevated heart rate and/or blood pressure, chest pains, black-outs, tremors, seizures, and even cardiac complications.

Madden said, "I am elated the House has supported us in the passage of this important measure. We are glad the most important issue to the law enforcement groups in North Texas and all over Texas has been sent to the Governor for his signature."

Shapiro added, "Passing this legislation is of great consequence. We will now be able to root out a growing threat to health and public safety that has already hurt a lot of individuals and families. I think banning the manufacture, sale, and possession of this scourge will have numerous benefits for the citizens of the State of Texas."