By Daniel Lombardo
Capital News Service
RICHMOND, Va. – A state legislator is asking Gov. Bob McDonnell to add the designer drug 25i to the list of chemical compounds that would be outlawed under a bill recently passed by the General Assembly.
Delegate G. Manoli Loupassi, a Republican who represents the 68th House District in the Richmond area, urged McDonnell to ban 25i after police in Chesterfield County said that in recent weeks, seven people there apparently had overdosed on the drug and been hospitalized.
“I got a call from a deputy commonwealth’s attorney, and they were having massive problems with the substance,” said Loupassi, whose district includes parts of Chesterfield County, Henrico County and the city of Richmond.
According to drug experts, 25i is a hallucinogen; some say it is as powerful and dangerous as LSD. The drug comes as a white powder. Users, often young people, inhale it. Officials say 25i causes erratic and even violent behavior.
“One kid took five officers to subdue,” Loupassi said.
He asked McDonnell to add 25i to House Bill 508, which is on the governor’s desk waiting to be signed into law.
A year ago, the General Assembly passed a law aimed at prohibiting the sale and possession of synthetic marijuana and designer drugs called “bath salts.” HB 508 would expand that law by adding more chemical combinations to the list of previously criminalized substances.
If 25i is added to the list, it would officially become a controlled substance, and possession of the drug would be a felony.
If McDonnell includes 25i in HB 508, his recommendation would be considered by legislators during their “reconvened session” on April 18.
So far, the only reported cases of 25i have come from Chesterfield County. On Sunday night, about 300 parents met with county officials to learn about the drug.
Loupassi fears that if 25i remains legal, it is likely to gain popularity.
“I gather that it is going to start going to other places, too,” he said.
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FREE Leadership Sessions will be conducted at the George Mason University –Arlington Campus for High School Latinas. The program runs from Monday 7/15 through Friday 7/19 from 10:00AM to 3:00PM EST each day (1-week).
Las sesiones de liderazgo GRATUITAS se llevarán a cabo en el campus de George Mason University – Arlington para latinas de secundaria. El programa se desarrollará desde el lunes 15 de julio hasta el viernes 19 de julio, de 10:00 a.m. a 3:00 p.m. EST cada día (1 semana).
Our goal is to equip students with the fundamentals of self-promotion and guide them in shaping their personal brand for future success. What sets this program apart is its integration of self-awareness activities and mentorship by seasoned professionals.
Sessions begin with a thorough assessment of leadership dynamics on July 15th, participants delve into the intricacies of personal branding and etiquette on July 16th, followed by practical guidance on crafting compelling LinkedIn profiles and resumes on July 17th. July 18th emphasizes the art of storytelling through personal statements, while July 19th culminates in portfolio presentations, allowing participants to showcase their newfound skills. The program concludes on July 20th with a memorable graduation ceremony, celebrating the accomplishments of the ELITE Academy’s graduates and their journey towards leadership excellence.
We are honored to have the Honorable Andrea O. Bailey of the Potomac District, along with the esteemed leadership of Prince William County, hosting our 4th Annual 5K Walk for Mental Health Awareness. This event is a testament to their commitment to educate, advocate for, and dispel myths and stigma surrounding mental illness.
Dust off your running or walking shoes, bring your pets, and move with us in this county-wide FREE event in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month on Saturday, May 18th, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. This year’s theme is Movement: Moving for Your Mental Health.
We will walk along a scenic multi-purpose trail in a wooded setting with sufficient signage to meet the needs of the walkers at Locust Shade Park, 4701 Locust Shade Drive, Triangle, Virginia 22192.
