CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Eyewitness News has learned a dangerous, more potent type of synthetic marijuana is spreading across North Carolina and it's already in the Charlotte area.
Bizarro is sold in bright purple packaging as incense.
Eyewitness News first reported on the substance in March when residents protested an Ashville smoke shop.
An undercover Kannapolis police officer said the drug is now in the area.
Sgt. Joe Yurco said, "Someone reported a family member using it and was concerned for their safety because of their effects."
Search warrants showed Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police confiscated Bizarro during a smoke-shop raid last week.
"It seems to be the strongest out there," said Yurco.
According to Yurco, the substance is so strong, it's a go-to for experienced users.
"I've even heard reports that when they first smoke it, they get severe stomach pain," he said. "I don't know what causes it and I don't know what's in it."
The NC state crime lab is testing Bizarro for any illegal compounds, but it may be legal.
"We've got to find a way to get ahead of this stuff," said Rep, Craig Horn, (R) Union County.
Horn sponsored House Bill 813 to ban Bizarro and other fake drugs.
"These are very dangerous; in fact, killer drugs," said Horn. "What they do to an individual can cause death or permanent injury."
Horn admits, when the recipe changes again, they'll be back at square one.
Kannapolis police hope to get the lab test results within a month.
http://ncleg.net/Sessions/2013/Bills/House/PDF/H813v1.pdf
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