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Police warn community about new marijuana wax

Posted at 2:06 PM, Nov 19, 2016
and last updated 2016-11-19 14:06:31-05

GREENFIELD, Ind. – A new form of marijuana is causing a problem for police and officers are warning parents and students about its potential impact.

Police said marijuana wax, also known as “Honey,” and “Budder” cost the same as traditional marijuana, but is much stronger.

The wax began appearing in Hancock County about six months ago, police said.

"It's something new on the scene like “Spice” was a few years ago,” said Greenfield police Detective Lt. Randy Ratliff. “This is something new that is coming into our community that people need to be made aware of. It is dangerous if manufactured.  It is dangerous if it is taken in big quantities.”

The drug gives off a golden color when it is fresh out of the lab. Police said the THC levels are five to 10 times higher than normal marijuana.

Students at New Palestine High School said they’ve heard of wax before.

"It's pretty common,” said Conner Dobbins, who is a member of the school’s Neighborhoods Against Substance Abuse. “I know people who have done it. Some of my friends have tried it. It's pretty much common everywhere.”

Another student said she joined the group because she wanted to show people, “doing drugs is not cool.”

"If you get caught with it, the rest of your life can be ruined. You can't get jobs, your opportunities are gone,” said Grace Voelz.

Ratliff said the ability to overdose on was is pretty easy but fortunately that has not happened locally.

Currently three cases are being prosecuted in Hancock County.