Cancel Anytime
A North Carolina scientist who “invented” fake pot says the fake stuff is “dangerous, and marijuana isn’t, really.”
A North Carolina scientist who “invented” fake pot says the fake stuff is “dangerous, and marijuana isn’t, really.”
In a profile in the Los Angeles Times this week, scientist John W. Huffman (described as a “bearded, elfin man”) revealed himself as the accidental inventor of voodoo, mojo, spice, “incense,” K2, or whatever brand or name used to describe dried up “herbs” sprayed with synthetic compounds that mimic the effects of THC (sort of).
Huffman said his research into the effects of drugs on brain receptors at Clemson University was published — as were the compounds he made (and named after himself: JWH-018, JWH-073 and JWH-200) — in medical journals, which were picked up manufacturers, and, ta-da, fake weed is born.
The LAT also reported that in August, Louisiana authorities seized 7,200 grams of synthetic marijuana ($25 to $30 per packet), which now — because it’s deemed a Schedule I controlled substance — has a “street value” of $80,000 to $130,000. (The products had names like “White Widow, Cajun Spice and Voodoo Remix” — not to be confused with this, which also may be dangerous when over-consumed.)
“Mojo” preceded bath salts in Louisiana as the targeted “designer drug” and was outlawed last August. The law, drawn up by Rep. Ricky Templet, R-Gretna, made it illegal to manufacture, possess and distribute it in the state.
For more than 40 years, Gambit has covered New Orleans, for New Orleans. We’ve stood up to city hall with you, cheered the Saints with you, danced in the streets with you and cried over our collective loss with you. And we’re plannin’ on being here for 40 more. To do that, we need your help. Become a Gambit member today and help us continue our mission
Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.
We recommend switching to one of the following browsers: