You may have seen the fake weed they try to sell in High Times magazine. From people I know who have smoked it, they say it gets you high, but not that high. But the companies that sell it won't tell you what it really is. It's like some big secret. They want you to think it's marijuana, but it's just some strange, obscure psychoactive herb. The good ol' DEA did the investigating for us, so we can give you the straight dope from the horse's mouth.
The plastic cylinder measured approximately 9 x 1 inches, and was labelled as “Skyscraper” by “International Oddities”. Initial gross examination indicated that the plant material (total net mass 13.0 grams) superficially resembled marijuana, but without the expected characteristic and distinctive odor. Microscopic examination showed fine white hairs (resembling clothing hairs) on all parts of the material (both sides of leaves, stems, etc.), but no cystolithic hairs. Analysis of petroleum ether extracts by TLC and GC/MS were negative for delta9-THC. Further analysis of a chloroform:methanol (4:1) extract by GC/MS indicated marrubiine (not confirmed due to the lack of a reference standard), the principal component in Marrubium vulgare (also known as White Horehound). Internet research indicated that this material is being marketed as a “tobacco alternative”; however, the company’s website descriptions clearly imply that it and similar products are actually legal marijuana alternatives. Marrubium vulgare is not controlled, and is not believed to have any abuse potential; it is a traditional (now minor) herb touted as a botanical home remedy as an expectorant, for relief of bronchitis, “chest tightness”, and similar maladies. This is believed to be the first such submission to the Western Laboratory.
So there you are. I didn't need the damn DEA to tell me it's not real weed, but only the DEA could send it to the lab for analysis. Thanks Drug Enforcement Administration!
So, it's not weed, it's White Horehound. Don't be a goddamn fool and buy a bunch of it out of High Times. If you must have some to sell to little kids to rip them off or something, go get yourself a White Horehound plant and grow it yourself. If I find out that any of my readers are buying quarterpounds of Skyscraper from International Oddities, I may just have to beat some sense into you.
Originally posted in the Analog Medium forum http://analogmedium.com/amforum/viewtopic.php?p=107#107
Stay tuned for more contraband-related information. We're doing it for y'all!
