According to a recent report from CNN, several cities across the United States have seen a rise in overdoses related to synthetic marijuana. Its use has been reported in several southern and northeastern U.S. states, prompting officials to issue health warnings. The drug, which can cause elevated heart rate and blood pressure, agitation, paranoia, panic attacks, and other powerful effects, is sold under brand names such as “Spice,” “K2,” and "No More Mr. Nice Guy.” It is made with dried herbs and spices that are sprayed with chemicals that induce a high that is similar to marijuana when smoked.
Tucson News Now reports that as of mid-July, the Arizona Poison Control Center received 93 overdose calls in 2015, a record number for the department. Tucson police are calling these overdoses an epidemic that is sweeping throughout the city, with police and paramedics now responding to several overdose calls a day. Nationwide, from January 1 to August 2, 2015, poison control centers received calls about 5,008 exposures to synthetic marijuana, compared with 3,682 in all of last year. According to a survey of 35 major city police departments, 30 percent have attributed some violent crimes to synthetic marijuana.
Although Spice is illegal it is still being sold online and in head shops marked "not for human consumption." Tests show that even the same brand of product may have different drugs, in different amounts, at different times. There is no way for a person to know what chemicals they are using, as the drug is not tested for safety and dosage.
Make sure to get the facts about spice and other drugs. DrugFreeAZKids.org has some great ways for parents to get the conversation going.
