Marijuana-like herb is pulled from shelves

An herb resembling marijuana being sold at two local smoke shops has been pulled from the shelves.

Sami Aljabari, owner of Sam’s Wholesale Tobacco & Gifts in Dixon and Oregon, said Monday he has pulled the herb “Space” from both shops after reports that some who smoked the product were hospitalized after having a bad reaction.

“I don’t care if it’s legal or illegal – I feel for the parents and I am concerned and care about the community,” Aljabari said.

The store also has stopped selling a second herb, “K2,” which was sold briefly last month, Aljabari said.

Both “Space” and “K2” contain synthetic chemicals that experts say provide the same high as marijuana.

Both are marketed as aromatic incense and “Not for human consumption” is written on the packages.

The Dixon Police Department started investigating both products in late January after receiving tips that people were becoming ill after they were smoked.

The Dixon Police Department obtained a package of “K2,” which was sent to the Illinois State Police lab in Rockford for a chemical analysis to determine whether the herb contains salvia divinorum, a Mexican hallucinogenic herb that has been illegal in Illinois since 2008.

The results of the chemical analysis are expected back any day now, Lt. Clay Whelan said on Friday.

Oregon Police Chief Darin DeHaan confirmed Tuesday that the suspicious substance, called “Space” had been removed from Aljabari’s store in Oregon.

He said his department has been investigating a similar incident involving a teenager and the substance.

“We had almost the exact same incident here last Friday,” said DeHaan. “There was an 18-year-old male that got very sick. I think the ambulance ended up transporting him.”

DeHaan said the package was purchased at the Oregon store.

He said parents need to be diligent and aware of what their children are consuming.

“Parents need to be aware of all the new issues that are out there,” DeHaan said. “Whether it’s cough syrup, or this, they need to be aware of what their kids are doing and then work with us to help them.”

Mt. Morris, Polo, and Forreston police have not had any complaints about either herb and are not aware of any local smoke shops or gas stations selling them.