Paige Dauer/WALB-TV The Thomas County/Thomasville Narcotics/Vice Division has seen a continuous increase in synthetic marijuana, or "spice," shown above, in monthly cases. 

THOMASVILLE, Ga. — Spice is not always nice.    

One of many names for synthetic marijuana, “spice” continues to be recovered in monthly drug arrests. 

“We’re seeing a continual uptick in spice,” said Louis Schofill, Thomas County/Thomasville Narcotics/Vice Division commander. 

Of the 62 cases opened and closed in May, Schofill said, six involved synthetic marijuana. 

The increase in spice cases is because more and more people are using the designer drug as an alternative to marijuana, Schofill pointed out. 

“Drug tests now are starting to convert over to spice now,” he added.  

Synthetic marijuana affects the user differently than marijuana, according to the drug squad commander. Like a “bath salts reaction,” the effects are more dangerous to the user’s body and brain, Schofill added. 

“It’s just an extremely different high,” he said. 

A rising narcotic in monthly arrests, synthetic marijuana has been recovered “anywhere and everywhere,” Schofill said. 

“There’s just really no way to pinpoint it and that’s with all narcotics transactions,” he added. 

The designer drug is crafted by applying chemicals to a green leafy substance. 

“That green leafy substance is the carrier of the chemical,” Schofill said. 

The designer drug also differs from marijuana in the charges that can be lodged against someone arrested. 

“Any amount of spice is a felony,” Schofill said. 

Total May drug squad numbers: 

• Persons arrested: 51 

• Charges: 92 

• Felonies: 57 

• Misdemeanors: 35 

Reporter Jordan Barela can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1826.