Synthetic marijuana, also known as K2, spice, legal weed, or fake pot, is an illicit street drug composed of synthetic cannabinoids or research materials. Among teens and young adults, synthetic marijuana is regarded as the safe, legal alternative to natural marijuana.
However, this cannot be farther from the truth. It has been illegal to possess, manufacture, distribute, or sell synthetic marijuana since 2015. Texas legislators have also zealously banned the constantly changing substances used to create K2.
The criminal penalties for the possession of synthetic marijuana are the same as those for possession of natural marijuana. If you have been charged with possession, manufacturing, distributing, or synthetic marijuana, it is important to consult an experienced Austin criminal defense attorney.
Austin Possession of K2 Lawyer
Kevin Bennett has represented many individuals charged with a variety of drug-related offenses. Mr. Bennett has the skill and knowledge necessary to help prevent a drug-related charge from depreciating your life. The Law Office of Kevin Bennett strongly defends individuals facing any criminal charges, including possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, drug trafficking, possession of ecstasy, and more.
Mr. Bennett will listen to your questions, concerns, give you an honest case assessment, and fight to protect your record. If you have been arrested or are being charged in Austin or Travis County, Contact Law Office of Kevin Bennet to review your legal options.
Texas Possession of Synthetic Marijuana Information Center
- Possession of Synthetic Marijuana Charges
- Texas Synthetic Marijuana Possession Penalties
- Austin K2 Resources
What is K2, Criminal Charges for Possession of K2
The most commonly known synthetic marijuana is called “K2” or “spice”. In reality, synthetic marijuana is not at all like traditional marijuana. K2 is a mixture of industrial chemicals created to copy the effects of THC, the natural occurring active found in marijuana.
Although K2 is prohibited in Texas, chemists are constantly altering the molecular makeup of the drug to create new compounds to avoid regulation. As a result of the always-changing chemical compounds of K2, law enforcement agencies are unable to keep up. So, the new variations of the drug are technically legal to sell and use.
Penalties for Possession of Synthetic Marijuana
Possession penalties of synthetic marijuana are similar to possession of marijuana. Which is why it’s urgent to call an experienced Travis county criminal defense attorney.
Synthetic marijuana brands fall under the Penalty Group 2-A. Which are:
- Less than 2 ounces – Class B Misdemeanor ($2,000 fine/6 months’ jail)
- Between 2 ounces and 4 ounces – Class A Misdemeanor ($4,000 fine/1-year jail)
- 4 ounces to 5lbs – State Jail Felony ($10,000 fine/6 months – 2 years’ jail)
- 5lbs – 50lbs – 3rd Degree Felony ($10,000 fine/2 years – 10 years’ jail)
- 50lbs – 2,000lbs – 2nd Degree Felony ($10,000 fine/2 years – 20 years’ jail)
- 2,000lbs and up – 1st Degree Felony ($50,000 fine/5 years – 99 years’ jail)
Some determining factors are:
- Quantity
- How the drug was concealed or stored
- Possession of drug with paraphernalia (scale)
- Drugs found with large amount of money
- Past convictions/prior offenses
Texas Synthetic Marijuana Resources
- Spice Support Group-The Spice Addiction Support is an online peer support group for individuals struggling with synthetic marijuana addiction. The group offers several resources, including educational tools, a hotline to discuss treatment options and more.
- Locator Tool for Spice/K2 Addiction Hotlines
Travis County Drug Defense Lawyer
Synthetic cannabis or K2 laws can be very strict and may lead to some serious criminal charges. If you’ve been arrested for synthetic marijuana or K2 in Travis County, including Austin, Lakeway, Del Valle, Pflugerville, Lago Vista, and other surrounding areas, contact Law Office of Kevin Bennett to discuss the details of your alleged synthetic marijuana offense
Attorney Kevin Bennett fully evaluates your case in order to aim for the best outcome possible. Contact his office at (512) 476-4626 or, request a free case evaluation online.