K2—sometimes called “genie” or “Zohai”—is a substance chemically similar to pot. Its key ingredient, JWH-018, is a synthetic cannabinoid that mimics marijuana’s euphoria-causing agent THC.

Clemson University chemist John W. Huffman developed the chemical in 1995 for purely experimental purposes, but its legitimacy and availability made it a popular alternative to marijuana.

The chemical is sprayed on herbs and sold as an incense called “spice”, but is more often smoked to get high—JWH can be up to five times more potent than marijuana.

Little is known about the actual effects of the drug, but some users have reported hallucinations, vomiting and high blood pressure. Others say it’s one of the best highs they’ve ever experienced. The drug is unregulated, which may explain why some users have experienced adverse effects. You can never be sure of what you’ll get.

Legislators and concerned parents continue to squabble about its legitimacy, but for now it’s still legal in most states. Huffman told The Observer he’s just surprised it didn’t catch on sooner.

"I've come to the conclusion,” he says, “that if an enterprising person wants to find a new way to get high, they're going to do it."

The bottom line is that more investigation is needed to determine the effects of the drug’s use. Read the original article on K2 in Newsweek, or see Huffman’s interview in The Observer.

An online survey conducted by the American Psychiatric Association reported three out of five workers expressed concern that mental health counseling would threaten professional status. More than 2,000 adults participated in the study; 1,129 were employed full- or part-time.

Although 40 percent of respondents said their employers were supportive of employee health treatment, others said their employers were less supportive of health services, more so for those concerning mental health.

Participants affected by drug addiction, alcoholism and depression were most concerned. People with diabetes and heart disease were shortly behind.

According to a report in Research Works, a publication of the Partnership for Workplace Mental Health (PWMH), there is a high prevalence of these conditions in the workplace.

“The majority (about two thirds) of people with symptoms of clinical criteria for having mental and substance use disorders do not receive any treatment at all for these conditions,” wrote report author Mark Attridge, PhD. In addition to job security and professional status, confidentiality was another concern for employees.

Researchers say that employee access to quality mental health and addiction services is needed. They suggest that the workplace promote promotion and intervention, and that employers make sure employees know how to access their benefits. They also encourage employers to be supportive and to reassure workers of confidentiality.

Dr. Alan Axelson, PWMH council chairman, stresses the importance of encouraging employees to take care of their mental and physical health, and explains that it can benefit employers as well.

“Research supports the fact that when people receive needed care, they are healthier and more productive,” he said in a press release, “Employers realize the return on their healthcare investment.”

The New York medical examiner’s office reported today that Heath Ledger’s sudden death was attributed to an accidental overdose of prescription medications including painkillers, anti-anxiety drugs, and sleeping pills. Heath Ledger, a 28-year old actor best known for his Oscar-nominated role in the 2005 film "Brokeback Mountain”, died January 22, 2008 in a New York apartment.