What is Mr. Smiley?

Mr. Smiley has been a hot topic in the past months. Some states are even criminalizing it. It's been called synthetic marijuana, fake pot and a host of other names that are developed in order to attach a negative stigma to the product. But, what is it really?

Mr. Smiley is not "synthetic pot" and journalists who keep reporting on it as such would do well to do their research instead of presenting their opinion as facts. It doesn't do their credibility any good to omit statements from prosecutors about how the public opinion doesn't really matter when it comes to Mr. Smiley, such as in the case of Cass County prosecutor Victor Fitz.

There are a wave of new products hitting the shelves and they go by a wealth of different names. While some of the names may actually be describing the same product, the fact is that Mr. Smiley is NOT synthetic pot. Nor is it K2. which is made up a different combination of herbs. So, what exactly is in Mr. Smiley?

There are two herbs found in Mr. Smiley. Neither of these herbs contain THC or marijuana in any form. In fact, both of the herbs found in Mr. Smiley are medicinal plants that have been around for centuries.

Mullein leaf: As an inhaled or ingested herb, the mullein leaf that is one of the two plants found in Mr. Smiley has actually been used to treat asthma and other breathing related issues. Methods of ingestion may vary, but generally the herb is smoked or drank in tea form. It can also be used externally to assist in the healing of wounds. In fact, I personally used this to treat asthma about 20 years ago. The only similarity it has to marijuana is that it is a plant and as such, when dried can be smoked.

Damiana leaf: Another ingredient of Mr. Smiley is the damiana leaf. Throughout history this plant has been known to treat various forms of depression and anxiety. It's also been used as an aphrodisiac. In fact, this plant has a wealth of medicinal uses including benefits to the digestive tract and menses related issues such as PMS and cramps. This herb is most commonly ingested through teas and beers.

So, how is it that two medicinal plants have been made illegal in some states? Though there is only speculation and no evidence what so ever, Mr. Smiley is thought to be responsible for the death of teens in America. Why is this? Because the media has dubbed it "fake pot" in an effort to attach something negative to it. Does it give you a "buzz" when smoked. It does for some, yes. Is it addicting? There is no evidence to support any claims that it is addicting. In fact, there is no evidence to support that it is harmful at all.

While it has been mentioned that Mr. Smiley causes a difference in breathing, this only makes sense. After all, half of the product is a plant that is supposed to help with breathing. How is this different from asthma medications that are offered in drug stores and by physicians?

The fact of the matter is that again, this is a product that will be made illegal for one reason and one reason only and that reason is because it cannot be regulated, thus turned into a source of funds for the government. That's where this product's similarities with marijuana begin and end. But, since prosecutors like Victor Fitz don't really care what the public thinks and since the media is helpful enough to cover up those oral blunders for them, we can continue to ban weeds and the use of them for medicinal purposes.

References: http://www.herbco.com/p-440-damiana-leaf-cs.aspx
http://www.herbco.com/p-774-mullein-leaf-cs.aspx