Ann Arbor-area company helps in the fight against K2-like drugs

A Pittsfield Township company is helping law enforcement agencies as they deal with the growing problem posed by products like K2 and Spice, sometimes referred to as synthetic marijuana, the Detroit Free Press reported.

Scientists at Cayman Chemical develop small samples of the chemicals used in synthetic drugs as they’re developed, the Free Press reported. The Michigan State Police Crime Lab and other labs across the country then use those samples as reference standards for identifying the chemicals in the synthetic drugs.

The standards are needed because of the changing nature of the drugs. As laws are passed to ban certain chemicals in synthetic drugs, manufactures develop new ones.

Communities across Michigan, as well as the state Legislature, have moved in recent days to ban synthetic cannabinoids and synthetic cathinones, also known as bath salts. The Washtenaw County health officer last week issued a notice to businesses asking them to stop selling the drugs and stating that those who don’t voluntarily comply could eventually face enforcement action.

Meanwhile, Cayman Chemical also is seeking to expand its Pittsfield Township operation.

• Read the article in the Detroit Free Press.