Vic Ryckaert :: Indianapolis Star :: April 27, 2010

A state lawmaker from Indianapolis has launched an effort to outlaw the synthetic-marijuana laced incense called spice, which has raised health concerns locally and in other states.

Rep. John Barnes, D-Indianapolis, on Monday announced plans to introduce legislation in the 2011 General Assembly to ban spice.

“The dangerous thing is that kids, when they are teenagers, they want to experiment,” Barnes said. “If they hear about something like this, the first thing they are going to think is, ‘This really isn’t that bad because it’s legal.’ ”

Last month, Kansas became the first state to outlaw spice. Similar laws are being considered in Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, North Dakota, Tennessee and Utah.

Barnes, a social studies teacher at Warren Central High School, wants Indiana to outlaw the product, which is being sold as incense in smoke shops across the state.

He said he asked his students — mostly juniors — about spice after The Indianapolis Star published a story on it last week. “One of them smiled and said, ‘I know it’s legal!’ ” Barnes said.

Spice, an herb laced with a compound said to be 10 times more powerful than marijuana, is sold legally under brand names such as K2, Pep and Kind. Distributors call it incense, but users smoke it like pot.

Nancy Beals, project coordinator for Drug-Free Marion County, said spice is a serious public health concern. At least eight patients have been treated in local emergency rooms for elevated heart rates, hallucinations and other problems after smoking spice, according to the Indiana Poison Center at Methodist Hospital.

Beals promised to assist Barnes in the effort to ban the product in Indiana.

“They are skirting around FDA regulations,” Beals said. “There’s a lot of subterfuge and avoidance of rules and regulations. I don’t think that’s right. . . . We don’t need to add to the load of our emergency rooms.”

Brett Voorhies, a Democratic candidate for Indiana House District 92 representing Speedway and the Westside, said in a joint statement with Barnes that he also supports a ban on spice.

By JUSTIN L. MACK • Journal and Courier • April 24, 2010

West Lafayette’s Crystal Hogan said she has never tried marijuana because it is an illegal substance.

However, Hogan said she would be open to trying “spice” — a controversial but legal herb that is laced with a synthetic chemical said to be 10 times more powerful than pot.

The herb is gaining popularity among youths across the nation.

“From what I understand, it has been around for a while, and it’s still legal,” Hogan said. “I’m not a smoker at all, but since it’s not a crime, I can’t say I wouldn’t consider it.”

Spice is sold legally in local head shops, including Amused Clothing and Twisted Minds, under brand names such as K2 and Spike.

The product is marketed as an incense or aromatic potpourri.

However, some users began smoking it as they would marijuana to achieve a legal high.

Some experts say that in addition to creating a mind-altering state and hallucinations, it may also lead to more adverse side effects, such as an increased heart rate. Although lighting up the substance is within the law, experts say it should be avoided.

“It should absolutely not be used as a recreational drug,” said John Huffman, a Clemson University organic chemist who, along with his students, created something called “JWH-018″ in 1995.

The chemical mimics the effect of tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, marijuana’s high-producing ingredient. The compound was picked up by overseas manufacturers, mixed with herbs and marketed as meditation incense.

“I emphasize that this compound was not designed to be a super-THC,” Huffman said in an e-mail. “It is simply one of many compounds synthesized by my group and others for the purpose of investigating the relationship between chemical structure and biological activity.”

Users are taking significant risks, Huffman said, noting that the compounds in spice have not been tested on humans.

Locally, spice is sold in packs of several different varieties ranging from $20 to $60. Employees at shops carrying the substance declined to comment on its popularity.

Alonzo Harris of Lafayette said he first heard about the herb about a year ago when some friends of his referenced it on Facebook.

“I’ve never seen it or tried it, but it sounds like it’s weed on steroids,” he said. “People are definitely talking about it, but I ain’t messing with it. Why risk it?”

Anthony Scalzo, a toxicologist at St. Louis University who is leading a push to ban the product in Missouri, said he is concerned that users are under the misconception that spice will make them relax.

The synthetic chemical used in spice is supposed to produce mellow effects in the brain, but Scalzo said patients are experiencing symptoms associated with using speed or other stimulants.

Health officials have just begun testing spice samples to try to find exactly what’s inside, Scalzo said.

“You have a product you’re using that has no label on it,” he said. “Buyer beware: You do not know what you’re getting with these products.”

However, one spice user said not only are the products labeled, but users know the risks before they take their first hit.

“Right on the package it says, ‘For botanical use only, not for human consumption.’ If I want to take that risk, it’s up to me,” said Aaron Jameson of Lafayette as he pointed to the warning label printed on a package of K2.

Jameson said he has been using spice for about 2 1/2 years.

“I started during my time in Iraq, where they had similar herbs,” said Jameson, who said he served with the U.S. Army in Iraq in 2003 and 2007. “It helped me relax and get through some of the things I’ve seen and done, and it helped me cope with injuries.”

Jameson said he was discharged after his second deployment after being injured by an improvised explosive device.

“I broke three disks in my back, I broke my arm and I still have shrapnel in my knee that causes chronic pain,” he said. “Smoking this helped me cope with the pain.

“I just think people are taking this too far, and you can’t assume everyone is buying it to smoke it. I know people who just use it as incense. But if you don’t like marijuana, and you don’t like tobacco, this is a third, legal option.”

Several countries, including Britain, France, Germany, Poland, Russia and South Korea, have banned spice. And on March 12 Kansas became the first U.S. state to outlaw it. Similar laws are being considered in Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, North Dakota, Tennessee and Utah.

But there is no active legislative effort in Indiana to regulate or ban spice.

Indiana legislators are just beginning to learn about spice. State Sen. Jean Breaux, D-Indianapolis, said she’s heard about it from a couple of constituents.

“It’s not regulated, and we don’t really know what’s in the makeup of it,” Breaux said. “Legislative efforts to control it, especially since that seems to be what other states are doing, is something that we’ll consider.”

Contributing: The Indianapolis Star

Dee Anne Gillespie – Harrison High School Parent – April 15, 2010

Why is that we tend to feel comfortable talking about tough subjects after there has been a crisis? For example, how many times have you sat around the dinner table with your kids and said something like, “Did you hear about so-and-so? He was in a terrible wreck last night…I heard he was hit by a drunk driver.” Or, “Is it true that one of the kids in your class was arrested for DUI?” What if we were more willing to talk about alcohol and it’s consequences with our kids without it having to be at the expense of another family’s loss? Would there be one less crisis to talk about next week?

So when is a good time to talk? Each time you turn the calendar to a new month you can use it as a reminder to talk to your kids! There is no better time than now. In fact, the more you talk about it, the easier it gets!  One day, you may be lucky enough to have your child say, “Not again, Mom, I know all about this…we’ve talked about it tons of times. I know the risks of using alcohol and I know to call you if I need your help.”

Please take the time today to talk about responsible alcohol use with your teens and family. We all need to be reminded that drinking alcohol has consequences and associated responsibilities. Let’s prevent a crisis for the sake of all of our families…start talking today!

To learn more about how to talk with your teens and tweens about drinking click here or here

By JUSTIN L. MACK • jmack@jconline.com • April 23, 2010

As Purdue University students start gearing up for Grand Prix weekend, bars and other near campus businesses will be passing out cards and coasters with a positive message.

The Greater Lafayette Sexual Assault Prevention Coalition, with funding from the Drug Free Coalition of Tippecanoe County, will distribute coasters and cards to bars, coffee shops, liquor stores, and restaurants regarding sexual assault prevention.

Each card, about the size of a business card, or coaster has a specific focus. One lists facts and tips that will help individuals avoid sexual assault while the other outlines what steps to take if you become a victim of sexual assault.

Coalition director Stephanie Karpicke said the cards and coasters are being distributed around campus to target busy Grand Prix hangouts.

“We hope that this project will help students to become more aware of the choices that they make and the situations that they put themselves in, especially when alcohol is involved,” she said.

Karpicke said the project started in 2004 as a result of the prevention coalition’s relationship with the Greater Lafayette Crisis Center.

Coasters were distributed every year until 2007, but the effort has not been present for the past two years due to funding issues.

For the program’s return, Karpicke said prevention coalition officials worked with Purdue students to revamp how the information was distributed.

“We talked with students, and they said they wanted something discrete that they could easily grab and slip into a pocket. That’s how the cards became the focus this year,” she said. “We also went with cards because not a lot of coasters are used in campus bars where there a lot of people standing around.”

Purdue senior Kristine Peck said she remembers seeing the coasters in a few coffee shops during her freshman year.

“It’s a good idea. Students will always pick up and read something if it’s free,” she said. “There are going to be so many people out this weekend, so a lot of cards will be picked up and passed around.”

Karpicke said the list of participating establishments is still being finalized, but Village Bottle Shoppe, Bar Barry Liquors, The Neon Cactus and Where Else? Bar are already a part of the program.

“We’ve had great participation from all the local bars when we’ve done this in the past,” she said.

Several student organizations, offices and departments will be taking part in this year’s Grand Alternative, which will feature a wide range of events, including, concerts, comedy shows, talent shows, races, bowling, discussions, and parties.

The 2010 Grand Alternative is sponsored by the Office of the Dean of Students, with the support of several student organizations and departments including the Wesley Foundation, the Student Wellness Office, Division of Recreational Sports, Purdue Student Government, Purdue Student Union Board and, Black Student Union and Caliber of Purdue to name a few. A generous $10,000 grant from the Drug-Free Coalition of Tippecanoe County allowed mini-grants to be given to groups committed to providing a fun, safe and substance-free Grand Prix experience for the student body. Students can attend these events and know they can find other students having fun without the use of alcohol. Students are also encouraged to support Purdue sports events held during the week.

When asked about the importance of Grand Alternative events, Carol Ben-Davies, Assistant Dean of Students said, “I recently attended an Alcohol Summit hosted by the Purdue Student Wellness Office and I know I am not alone in saying there is a great concern about the high Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) levels of students needing medical assistance after a night of heavy drinking. We know that a pre-gaming culture is partially to blame so having these free and substance-free events, during a week and during times associated with heavy drinking, is very important and if it prevents just one student from getting sick, alcohol poisoning, driving while intoxicated, taking sexual risks, or being sexually victimized then it is all worth it.” Since it is better to be safe than sorry, we also encourage students to help their fellow Boilermakers if there are signs of trouble. Click here to read about the signs and symptoms of alcohol poisoning.

The Grand Alternative was conceived in 1998 when Steve Cain, a campus minister at the Wesley Foundation, initiated a community wide coalition of student groups with the goal of celebrating the Grand Prix safely and without alcohol. Grand Alternative got its official start in 1999 with a grant from the Drug-Free Coalition of Tippecanoe County.

All Grand Alternative events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted. Click here to view a complete list of activities and sponsors. Contact sponsoring organizations for more information.

Permits now head to State level for approval by Aaron Leedy •  WLFI TV-18  • April 14, 201 0

Three Walgreens Plan to Sell Beer, Wine by Sophia Voravong •  Journal and Courier • April 15, 201 0

Customers could soon be able to pick up wine and beer with their purchases at three Walgreens locations in Tippecanoe County.

The Tippecanoe County Alcohol Beverage Commission on Wednesday unanimously voted in favor of requests for liquor licenses for Walgreens at 1000 Sagamore Parkway West in West Lafayette; 130 S. Creasy Lane in Lafayette and 2800 Old U.S. 231 South in Lafayette.

The local commission’s recommendation will now go to the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission in Indianapolis, which has final approval on liquor license applications.

“Our customers are asking for it,” Tim Valiant, manager of the Creasy Lane store, told the commission. “I’ve been approached several times … a week, as well as my employees.”

Karah Rawlings, director of the Drug-Free Coalition of Tippecanoe County, spoke out against Walgreens’ requests. She said the Lafayette area already has numerous businesses — not including bars and restaurants — where alcohol can be purchased.

For instance, the West Lafayette Walgreens has eight such businesses within one mile. The Creasy Lane location has six within one mile.

“One of our major goals is to reduce underage drinking,” Rawlings told the commission. “Oversaturation of permits has been shown to contribute to underage drinking and other alcohol-related problems.”

Commission member Bill Bogan said he agreed with Rawlings’ and the drug-free coalition’s stance. But he still voted in favor of recommending the liquor license requests — noting that the state Alcohol and Tobacco Commission would likely grant it.

“It’s really out of our hands, and it gets quite frustrating, to be honest with you,” Bogan said.

The three Walgreens plan to sell only wine and beer, though the permits would also allow them to carry hard liquor.

The stores’ managers said sufficient training will be provided for cashiers and that policies will be in place to hinder the chances of alcohol being sold to minors.

Identification will be requested from all customers, regardless of whether that person appears well over age 21, Indiana’s legal drinking age.

Cashiers under 21 will have to contact a manager to complete a sale.

Sophia Voravong • April 12, 2010 •  Journal and Courier

Nonviolent offenders charged in Tippecanoe County with narcotics-related offenses will no longer be offered Drug Court as an alternative to incarceration.

The program will be phased out beginning in January from Tippecanoe County’s Forensic Diversion Drug Court because of a lack of participants.

Forensic Diversion, which more narrowly focuses on nonviolent drug offenders with coexisting mental illnesses, will continue. The supervisory team also will stay in place.

Members of the team, supervised by Judge Michael Morrisey, will attend the National Association of Drug Court Professionals national conference in June in Boston to help make the transition.

Their attendance is funded by a grant through the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute.

Here, Lisa Smith, the Drug Court coordinator and member of the Forensic Diversion Drug Court team, answers questions posed by the Journal & Courier of the changes to come:

Question: How many participants would be needed to keep Drug Court running? How many participate now?

Answer: When the Forensic Diversion and Drug Court programs combined in January 2009 — becoming the Forensic Diversion Drug Court — Judge Morrissey anticipated a maximum of 30 participants. The desired result was roughly 15 in each program component.

Currently there are three participants in the Drug Court component and six participants in the Forensic Diversion component. Drug Court participant numbers peaked at 24 in June 2007 and have steadily declined since.

Q: What will this mean for nonviolent drug offenders who do not have a coexisting mental illness?

A: The majority of drug and alcohol abusers suffer some sort of mental illness. All (Forensic Diversion Drug Court) applicants are required to meet with a forensic psychologist for an assessment.

The main programming difference is that the Forensic Diversion is coordinated through Community Corrections and funded by the Indiana Department of Correction. Drug Courtis coordinated through Court Services and supervised by the Indiana Judicial Center.

Indiana Judicial Center has grant opportunities available to certified programs, such as our Drug Court. However, the steady decline in participants has made funding almost impossible to secure.

Q: Please explain how Drug Court has been used in Tippecanoe County thus far.

A: Like many of the 2,301 operational drug courts/problem solving courts in the United States, the Tippecanoe County Forensic Diversion Drug Court hears cases of offenders charged with drug-related crimes.

Drug courts relieve already overwhelmed court dockets — placing offenders in an environment where they are accountable to attend treatment and counseling, submit to frequent and random drug testing, make regular appearances before the judge and are monitored closely for program compliance.

Graduated sanctions, including jail time, are imposed for noncompliance. Conversely, incentives are applied for continual compliance.

Q: What does the Tippecanoe County team hope to learn at the June conference?

A: The seven (Forensic Diversion Drug Court) team members attending the conference anticipate comprehensive training, networking on a national level and exposure to more than 60 exhibitors representing the latest products and services all individualized to problem solving courts.

This type of training will allow the team members to continue to apply the 10 key components of problem-solving courts — ensuring an effective program even after the Drug Court is phased out by the year’s end.

When many people think of alcohol abusers, they picture teenagers sneaking drinks before high school football games or at unsupervised parties. However, alcohol abuse is prevalent within many demographic groups in the United States. People who abuse alcohol can be:

• College students who binge drink at local bars.
• Pregnant women who drink and put their babies at risk for fetal alcohol syndrome.
• Professionals who drink after a long day of work.
• Senior citizens who drink out of loneliness.

As part of Alcohol Awareness Month, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration provides valuable tips on raising awareness about alcohol abuse and misuse.

Parents can find information on educating their children and being a good role model.

Teenagers can find answers to many of their questions.

In an additional effort to raise awareness, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism offers a free, confidential survey to determine if you display any of the characteristics of abusive drinking behavior. The survey takes less than five minutes and at the end provides you with a list of resources on where to go for help or more information.

If you or a friend need immediate assistance with a substance abuse problem, you can call the National Drug and Alcohol Treatment Referral Routing Service’s toll free number: 1-800-662-HELP (1-800-662-4357).

You can find more substance abuse resources in the resources section of our website.

The Drug-Free Coalition of Tippecanoe County and Active Youth Citizens participated in the Beck Lane Boys and Girls  Club Kick Butts Day Carnival on March 25th. More than 50 students from Tippecanoe County came out for the fun!

To see pictures from the event click here.