Understanding the Risks of Synthetic Marijuana Use in Wisconsin

Using synthetic marijuana can result in drug charges

Today a large volume of advertising promotes the potential positive effects of marijuana. While these may or may not have merit, people who have their guard down about marijuana may be in danger when it comes to different kinds of synthetic marijuana available. These substances come in different forms, but all of them are illegal to sell, use, or possess. If you have synthetic marijuana in Wisconsin, you risk drug charges and prison time.

Forms of Synthetic Marijuana

You can come across synthetic marijuana in many forms. Most of the time, it comes either in liquid form or as a substance sprayed onto dry leaves. It can appear similar to incense, potpourri, or a regular marijuana joint. It may even be placed in an electronic cigarette for "vaping" purposes.
Regardless of the form, synthetic marijuana is associated with a number of health symptoms:

• vomiting
• hallucinations
• psychotic episodes
• violent behavior
• suicidal thoughts
• kidney damage
• high blood pressure
• death

Whatever the form of the product, it is very dangerous to use, and can create problems well beyond what has been associated with real marijuana.
Legal Implications
Wisconsin made synthetic marijuana illegal in 2011 Wisconsin Act 31. In classifying it as an illegal controlled substance, this statute makes it illegal to use, possess, or sell synthetic marijuana. If you are convicted of violating this act, you are subject on a first offense to a $1,000 fine and imprisonment for up to six months. A second offense is considered a Class I felony. And the first offense does not have to be for synthetic marijuana; if you have a prior conviction for any narcotic substance, possession of synthetic marijuana will lead to automatic felony charges.
If you have been arrested for the possession, sale, or use of synthetic marijuana, you do have legal defenses available. Drug charges in Wisconsin bring severe penalties, though, so you do not want to go it alone. Eisenberg Law Offices has experience in helping defend against drug charges, and should be your first call if you have been arrested.
This post was originally published at https://www.eisenberglaw.org/understanding-the-risks-of-synthetic-marijuana-use-in-wisconsin.