Pubdate: Sun, 19 Jan 2014
Source: Journal Times, The (Racine, WI)
Copyright: 2014 The Journal Times
Contact:  http://www.journaltimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1659
Author: Stephanie Jones

K2 STILL CAUSING PROBLEMS LOCALLY

SYNTHETIC MARIJUANA STILL IN USE DESPITE BAN

RACINE -- In 2011, the state prohibited the possession and
distribution of synthetic marijuana, often called K2 or Spice.

But despite the law, synthetic marijuana is continuing to cause
problems in Racine County, sending young people to the hospital for
adverse reactions, according to Racine Fire Department officials.

On Thursday, an 18-year-old woman was taken to the emergency room at
Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints hospital, 3801 Spring St., after she
started dry heaving and acting strangely.

She later admitted she had been smoking K2 earlier that
day.

K2 continues to be a problem in Racine, said Racine Fire Department
Capt. Steve Bisher. And he knows oftentimes people don't admit to using it.

Synthetic marijuana usually looks like herbs or plant material that
includes a synthetic tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, the active ingredient
in marijuana) enhancement, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

It is touted as mimicking the effects of real marijuana, but side
effects include increased heart rate and blood pressure, paranoia,
panic attacks and vomiting.

Nick Hempel, the department's division chief in charge of emergency
medical services, said in the past when the synthetic drug first
became popular, people were more open about it and would even show
first responders the bag.

"Now people are more covert," he said, but it's still causing
problems.
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