From peak of glory to rock bottom: Former MVP Wolverine helps others 'Get Back Up'

LANSING--Attorney General Bill Schuette announced his support for legislation approved by the House of Representatives to create a fast-track process to ban dangerous synthetic drugs like K2 and Spice. ''The connection between these dangerous synthetic drugs and violent crime in our communities is disturbing,'' said Schuette. ''Government's first priority is to ensure public safety and the bills passed this week will give law enforcement the tools they need to stop K-2 crimes.'' The legislation approved by the House this week creates a fast-track process for the Michigan Department of Community Health and the Michigan Board of Pharmacy to declare dangerous synthetic drugs as controlled substances. Current state law has been unable to keep up with the evolving variations of synthetic drugs appearing on store shelves, said Schuette. The legislation also amends state law to expand the definitions of synthetic cannabinoids (a.k.a. ''K2,'' ''Spice,'' ''Incense'') and synthetic cathinones (a.k.a. ''Bath Salts,'' ''Plant Food'') currently classified in schedule 1, and includes broader language to address future variations of synthetic drugs. Schuette noted the legislation strengthens the hand of law enforcement by making it a felony punishable by up to four years in prison, a $20,000 fine, or both, to sell or deceptively market substances that are designed to mimic any drugs banned under the Schedule 1 classifications. The bills passed by the House this week include: House Bill 5714, Senate Bill 1082, House Bill 5338 and Senate Bill 789. All four bills now head to the Senate for consideration. Published: Mon, Jun 18, 2012