Pubdate: Tue, 21 Aug 2018
Source: Sun-Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL)
Copyright: 2018 Sun-Sentinel Company
Website: http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/159
Author: Mike Stobbe

FAKE WEED SEEN AS A PUBLIC HEALTH DANGER

A decade after first appearing in the United States, fake weed is seen
as a growing health danger.

Some marijuana smokers turned to it because it is relatively cheap and
not detected in routine drug testing. Dozens of people in New Haven,
Conn., went to the hospital this week after overdosing on a batch of
synthetic marijuana.

A look at the issue:

WHAT IS IT?

While states have moved to legalize traditional marijuana, fake pot
has become a public health threat. Synthetic marijuana is a
mind-altering drug made by taking plant material and spraying it with
chemicals that can mimic the high from marijuana. It is sold under
names like K2, AK47, Spice, Kush, Kronic, and Scooby Snax.

The chemicals also can also be mixed into a liquid and vaped, and even
mixed into tea or food. The substances can produce some similar
effects to traditional marijuana including relaxation, elevated mood
and altered perception.

WHAT'S IN FAKE WEED?

Authorities have detected scores of chemicals in synthetic marijuana,
and say chemical composition can vary not only from product to product
but from batch to batch. Some ingredients are banned by federal or
state law. Drug dealers peddle fake weed, and police say people have
been able to buy it online or in convenience stores and gas stations.

Fake weed products are not tested for safety and people who use them
don't know exactly what chemicals they're putting into their bodies.

WHAT ARE THE DANGERS?

Fake pot can cause vomiting, hallucinations, seizures, rapid heartbeat
and kidney damage severe enough to put users on dialysis.

Health officials track reports of illnesses related to synthetic
marijuana through hospital emergency department visits or poison
center calls. Poison centers report thousands of cases each year
including nearly 8,000 in 2015. This year, as of last month, poison
control centers handled about 1,300 synthetic marijuana calls.