It's called, "spice," "K2," or simply, "synthetic marijuana."
Often sold as incense, the contents become dangerous and even deadly when smoked or drunk as an herbal infusion.
The problem with synthetic marijuana came before the Henryetta city council Tuesday night by Dr. Carl Glidden.
He is the chief of emergency services at Henryetta Medical Center.
Dr. Glidden said two recent incidents at the hospital indicated the substances were being sold in town.
"This is a designer drug," he said. "Chemists have taken the active ingredients in marijuana and they have changed it a little bit.
 dr-glidden
Authorities can make this particular substance illegal but chemists can tweak it and change it a little bit and it is legal."
Dr. Glidden, who, with his wife, operates the Tiger Mountain recovery Center, called the problem a public health menace. "There are people affected by this substance that is being sold boldly right here in town."
The chemical additives in the mix of shredded plant material cause users to experience a dangerous "high" that, in some cases result in brain damage and death.
The emergency room doctor said a patient came to the hospital for treatment after smoking some of the "spice."
"I talked to the police chief and asked how it is being sold. it's illegal in this state. "His response is nothing we can do about it. Because we don't know exactly what it is.
The authorities cam make this particular substance illegal then the chemist comes in and tweaks it a little bit and changes one little side group and all of a sudden its not covered under the law."
He called the situation not acceptable and pointed out, "there are people being affected by these substances that are sold bodily right here in town. i can't accept it."
Dr. Glidden said he was told that Kern's Korner and Johnny Appleseed were two of the sources.
Since then, the owners of both businesses were asked about such sales and said they do not carry the products.
Both stores are under new management, Kern's Korner since Monday and Johnny Appleseed since January 3.
fake-marijuana
Mayor Bill Goodner said the city is going to put store owners on notice that, after, "a two-week, 30-day grace period, we will start publishing the names of retail establishments who sell it."
City manager Ted Graham said this is not a localized problem. "Other cities are trying to address it also. We have begun to obtain the language to write an ordinance that will fit it. It's not that we are not doing anything but we've got to do it right."
"The problem is the Bureau of Narcotics can't keep up with the changes, added city attorney Lou Ann Moudy. "A chemist must test whatever is purchased and report that it fits within the statute. If it doesn't with within the framework it is not illegal." She went on to say the analysis of the drugs is an expensive one as well.
"Even the state is scratching their heads over it," she added.
One Henryetta police officer said he was involved in a case involving "spice" that where the subject became so violent it took several officers to subdue him.
Spice abusers who have been taken to Poison Control Centers report symptoms that include rapid heart rate, vomiting, agitation, confusion, and hallucinations. Spice can also raise blood pressure and cause reduced blood supply to the heart (myocardial ischemia), and in a few cases it has been associated with heart attacks. Regular users may experience withdrawal and addiction symptoms.
"Tonight we are going to serve notice to anybody that sells this stuff that we are going to make it public knowledge. and maybe let the shame factor stop doing it," said Goodner.