Did you know that the first Texas felony conviction for K2 was in Amarillo?

It seems like forever ago when people were talking about K2 or “Spice”. It dominated the headlines. It seemed like the alternative to synthetic marijuana was everywhere. Then came the laws prohibiting it, and similar materials.

Did you know that the first felony conviction in Texas for K2 was in Amarillo?

Yes, no kidding. We’ve got Dibs in K2 offenses

In case you forgot, K2 (or Spice) was one of many types of synthetic marijuana sold. The substance was intended to mimic the psychoactive effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). What eventually happened, according to archives from the Office of National Drug Control Policy under then-President Obama, was that a lot of people became ill, having seizures and hallucinations, among other severe effects. This of course led to legislation banning the substance and similar substances.

It was sold as a “potpourri” or “herbal incense.” The packaging is often labeled stating that it is not safe for human consumption, and that it is intended for aromatic or aromatic purposes only.

In 2012, K2 had his first felony conviction in Randall County.

K2 smoke shop bust

Think back to around 2012-2013. That’s when agents visited several “smoke” shops in the area, seized K2 or similar materials, and arrested several people. However, the arrest of James Medina would lead to the first felony conviction for K2 in Texas.

According to reports at the time, Medina owned an Up N Smoke store. He was charged with selling K2 and according to reports at the time, after pleading guilty, was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

While this all sounds like a problem that’s long gone, it’s still there and still causing problems. Even in 2023, there are still reports of individuals having to be hospitalized, and some dying, after using K2 throughout Texas.