What are Synthetic Drugs?

• What Are Synthetic Cannabinoids (“Spice” or K2/K3″)?
• What Are Synthetic Cathinones (“Bath Salts”)?
• DEA Drug Fact Sheet: K2 or Spice
• DEA Drug Fact Sheet: Bath Salts
• SAMHSA Advisory: Spice, Bath Salts, and Behavioral Health

Local Level Resources

• San Diego City Ordinance: Synthetic Drugs
• Oceanside City Ordinance: Synthetic Drugs
• SAY San Diego blog: 10 Things to Know about Synthetic Drugs
• Facebook: Think Twice Before Selling Spice!
• San Diego Police Department Letter to Retailers
• Synthetic Drug Laws Summary (from SDPD)
• Spice Info Card
• Additional info on Spice for Addicts and At-risk adults (use with above Spice Info Card)

Local News Media Stories

• Authorities crack down on store selling “spice” (2013)
• Health, law officials alarmed at “spice” overdoses (December 5, 2015)
• Civic leaders warn of the dangers of spice (May 18, 2016)
• San Diego cracks down on “spice” (May 23, 2016)
• Police: Oceanside Spice ban is working (December 16, 2016)
• ME: New Drugs Killing San Diegans (May 12, 2016)

Federal Government and National Resources

• Website: National Alliance for Model State Drug Laws (NAMSDL)
• NAMSDL Subject Matter Analysis: Novel Psychoactive Substances: 2016 Legislative and Regulatory Update
• Data Sheet: Federal Schedule 1 Controlled Substances: Synthetic Drugs (as of June 2014)
• Website: American Association of Poison Control Centers

Other Resources

• Website: North Coastal Prevention Coalition (City of Oceanside)
• Website: San Diego County Marijuana Prevention Initiative Resource Cards
• Rack Card (English & Spanish): Peer-to-Peer Spice Awareness Campaign for Youth

Retired San Diego County Deputy Sheriff and SAY San Diego Prevention Specialist William Perno is a subject-matter expert on synthetic drugs. Mr. Perno has testified in support of synthetic drug legislation at the California State Assembly and provided trainings to community groups, school districts, students, teachers, parents, health care and prevention providers, drug-free community coalitions, policy makers and law enforcement throughout California. Project work includes alcohol and other drug prevention work with communities. Funding is provided by the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency, Behavioral Health Services. Contact Mr. Perno about free trainings and technical assistance in the San Diego area.