To start off our criminal defense blog, why not open the discussion with a hot topic that many people in Seattle have probably been following? In America, synthetic marijuana has arrived in a big way, and legislators throughout the country are obviously committed to outlawing so-called designer drugs.

After all, there is proof that certain chemical compounds found in these products are dangerous if consumed. But aren't cigarettes and alcohol also dangerous when consumed in excess?

Manufacturers and sellers of so-called designer drugs claim their products aren't made for human consumption, but these people believe that reasonable adults should be able to choose what they put in their bodies.

Still, reports from emergency rooms have shown that certain synthetic products can have dangerous and even fatal consequences. In July, President Obama responded to the issue by signing the Synthetic Drug Abuse Prevention Act of 2012. Under the new law, individuals who sell synthetic cannabinoids and other potentially dangerous chemical compounds could face stiffer penalties upon conviction.

However, some people have pointed out that the law is bound to fail in many cases. Manufacturers of synthetic drugs have little problem changing the molecular structure of an otherwise illegal substance, and prosecutors will have a difficult time keeping up with what substances are actually still legal.

Given the reports of deaths and other unpleasant effects linked to synthetic marijuana, it's safe to say that law enforcement will continue to pursue charges against people who buy, sell or otherwise possess these products. Readers in the Seattle area who are interested in learning more about criminal defense may want to check in with our blog often; we intend to discuss a variety of criminal defense matters, including drug charges, property crimes, domestic violence, DUI and much more.

Source: wknofm.org, "Fake Pot Is A Real Problem For Regulators," July 12, 2012