SAGINAW COUNTY -- The Saginaw county sheriff's department is taking steps to crack down on K-2, a synthetic marijuana being sold over the counter at some stores. The problem is its illegal and more dangerous than marijuana. Some party stores in Saginaw are giving a whole new meaning to the term party store.
NBC 25 crews have confirmed that certain stores are now selling spice, salvia , or K2, a synthetic marijuana. Its basically herb leaves sprayed with chemical. Once smoked the chemicals give a high feeling. Residents were shocked to know its being sold for 20 dollars a bag over the counter.
Saginaw resident Monica Jaccaud says, " I am surprised that that's being sold and not monitored."
Saginaw county sheriff William Federspiel is also aware. He says K2 is illegal. Even worse he says the synthetic drug is worse than marijuana because no one really knows what's sprayed on the herb.
Sheriff Federspiel says, " They take the herbal leaves and someone sprays a concoction of chemicals on them where still unsure what chemicals are used."
K2 had been know to cause hallucinations and even heart attacks that lead to death. The DEA classifies K2 as a schedule one drug, it's the same category as heroin and cocaine. The sheriff's department is now preparing to take action now that K2 is being sold in Saginaw, perhaps to unsuspecting teens looking to get high.