Pubdate: Wed, 06 Jun 2012
Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution (GA)
Copyright: 2012 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Contact: http://www.ajc.com/opinion/content/opinion/letters/sendletter.html
Website: http://www.ajc.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/28
Author: Christinan Boone

TEEN'S DEATH OFFICIALLY LINKED TO SYNTHETIC POT

GBI Chief Medical Examiner Kris Sperry on Tuesday confirmed that 
16-year-old Chase Burnett died after smoking synthetic marijuana -- 
the first time the drug has been officially linked to a death in Georgia.

"He drowned because he was under the influence of one of the 
synthetic cannabinoids that made him unconscious," Sperry told The 
Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

There were no other drugs in Burnett's system, the medical examiner 
said, adding that the Fayette County teen was in otherwise excellent 
physical condition at the time of his death March 4.

It was widely assumed Burnett died after smoking the popular drug, 
made up of plant material and sprayed with chemicals that mimic THC, 
the active ingredient in marijuana. The teen's body was discovered in 
his parents' hot tub.

The substance, typically known by the brand names K-2 and Spice, can 
be purchased for as little as $5 at convenience stores and head shops.

Chase's Law, legislation in Burnett's name that Gov. Nathan Deal 
signed into law in April, briefly prohibited the sale of synthetic 
pot, but distributors have since found a way around the legislation.

"They essentially altered the basic [chemical] structure and started 
all over again," said state Sen. Buddy Carter, R-Pooler, who authored 
the bill outlawing its sale.

Legally, there's nothing state officials can do until the General 
Assembly reconvenes next January. But they hope news of Burnett's 
death will at least cause prospective users to think twice.

"Deaths are rare, but that doesn't mean they aren't occurring," 
Sperry said, adding the GBI wasn't able to screen for the substance 
until recently. "Many labs in the the country haven't been able to 
look for it. And you can't find it if you don't know what you're looking for."

Because little is still known about the effects of the drug, it's 
impossible to conclude how much Burnett smoked and what amounts are 
potentially deadly, Sperry said.

"It's obviously very, very potent," he said, comparing its effects to 
heroin. Classifying it as pot or marijuana understates its danger, 
Sperry stated, saying, "I've never in my 30 years seen anyone die 
from smoking marijuana."

It may not be long before a second Georgian's death is blamed on the 
substance, the medical examiner said.

"We're investigating another case where we know synthetic cannabis 
was used," Sperry said. The drug, he added, is "far stronger than 
what teenage kids have an understanding of."
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