News and Press Releases

Owner of The Grind In Salina Charged in Federal Court
With Selling Misbranded Marijuana Substitute

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Sept. 26, 2012

WICHITA, KAN. – The owner of The Grind in Salina, Kan., has been charged with selling a misbranded product known as Aromatic Potpourri that contains a substance mimicking the active ingredient in marijuana, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.

Eric Srack, 43, Salina, is charged in a criminal information filed today in U.S. District Court in Wichita with one count of introducing misbranded drugs into interstate commerce. The charges allege Srack manufactured Aromatic Potpourri by mixing a synthetic substance referred to as “JWH compounds” with potpourri and Everclear. The “JWH compounds” mimic the effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in marijuana. The final product was sold ostensibly as an herbal incense, but it was intended to be smoked by users in order to attain a high similar to marijuana.

The product typically was packaged in a zip lock plastic bag with a paper label identifying the product by name and listing ingredients. The “JWH compounds” were not identified on the label.

The charges allege that Aromatic Potpourri qualifies as a drug under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and is subject to regulation by the Food and Drug Administration, which is responsible for ensuring that drugs sold for human use are safe and effective and bear labeling that contains true and accurate information.

If convicted, Srack faces a maximum penalty of three years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Food and Drug Administration investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tanya Treadway is prosecuting.

 

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