In an effort to raise drug awareness across the Texas A&M University-Commerce campus, organizations teamed up to hold an event about the facts and dangers of the drug K2.
The event sponsored by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Project Respect, and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity offered an educational lecture led primarily by Assistant Director of the A&M-Commerce Counseling Department Dr. M. Lavelle Hendricks. He was assisted by Physician Assistant for Student Health Services Maxine Mendoza-Welch and University Police Department officer Chad Ballard.
Hendricks said he expected maybe 15 people, but there ended up being a crowd of around 76 individuals.
Antonio Mauldin, President of Kappa Alpha Psi was also impressed with the turnout and stated the sole purpose of the event.
“We wanted to raise awareness on our campus [of K2],” he said.
Hendricks educated the audience about the K2, highlighting facts about the synthetic marijuana.
“Compounds in K2 are reported to be three to five times more potent than THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannaiold) found in marijuana,” he said.
Mendoza shared about doctors who have experienced K2 users coming into hospitals under its influence. She said it was out of the norm to see young students coming in with symptoms so extreme that they would lead to psychological problems and heart attacks.
Hendricks did not hold back any secrets regarding the drug. He informed the audience on the price of the drug which usually runs about $60-$90 for three grams. He also revealed the ingredients in the drug and the best places to find it.
Hendricks spoke about those facts in order to help make students aware of the accessibility of K2 but did not leave out its negative effects.
“Anytime we can educate, hopefully we can have an impact,” he said.
When Ballard took the front of the room, he held up actual packets of K2, which is allowed only with an officer present. Ballard said that the police department has received reports of convenient stores in Commerce who sell the illegal drug. It is easily accessible and has the ability to ruin reputations, Ballard said. Athletes will even soon be tested for it.
“You could lose your scholarship for this,” Ballard said. “It’s not worth it. Don’t use it.”
Mendoza advised the audience that if they ever find the drug to not throw it away or flush it in the toilet. She suggested to instead bring it to UPD, the Health Services Department, or Hendricks who will all properly take care of it.
All three of the spokesmen explained that testing for K2 is on its way to being more accurate. The drug has been illegal since March 2010 and has consequences if abused.
Hendricks’ book titled “It’s not Y2K…Just K2” brings out in-depth information about the drug. The book mentions specific signs of K2 experimentation, which include “pale skin, severe agitation, seizures, elevated heart rate, and severe vomiting.”
Hendricks plans to participate in future drug awareness events for A&M-Commerce students including a lecture on synthetic cocaine in April and a lecture about “caffeine in the nose” next fall.
Amanda Berkhalter, President of Delta Sigma Theta, and Diana Polk, Vice President, agreed that the program had a good outcome. Berkhalter said she wished there was “a more diverse turnout,” but was satisfied that there was a bigger audience than expected.