Sheriffs call synthetic cannabinoids (K2) the jails' biggest new threat; propose stricter penalties and mail-screening

Sheriffs told the commission that synthetic cannabinoids (commonly called K2 or synthetic marijuana) present a growing safety threat inside county facilities and urged legislative changes and local countermeasures.

"K2 is correctional institutions' biggest nightmare right now," one sheriff said. He described attackers and psychotic episodes among people who ingest the substance, noted secondary exposure risks for staff, and said the chemical formulas change frequently, making detection difficult.

Operational responses discussed by sheriffs included scanning or photocopying incoming mail, stricter screening of legal envelopes, caller and tablet communications to reduce paper smuggling, and disciplinary or criminal charges when vendors or family members are identified as introducing drugs.

Several sheriffs and commissioners referenced bills filed in the Legislature that would change how synthetic cannabinoids are classified and prosecuted (identified in discussion as Senate bill S.1753 and House bill H.2702). The meeting record shows sheriffs asking whether the industry or associations have a formal stance on those bills.

Ending: Sheriffs asked legislators on the commission to consider statutory classifications and enforcement tools that would make introducing synthetic cannabinoids into facilities a clearer prosecutable offense, and to consider investments in screening technology and mail-processing protocols.

Note on attribution: Direct quotes in this article are attributed only to speakers identified in the meeting record. Commissioners and staff agreed to follow up on pending legislation and to invite technical briefings of best practices.