State governments in the U.S. are busy banning synthetic marijuana, also known as K2 or spice. This is because users have been frequenting emergency rooms in hospitals with such complaints as hallucinations, vomiting, paranoia and increased heart rates. Synthetic marijuana has also been blamed for at least one death. Health officials say the use of K2 resembles an epidemic. They cite instances of even middle-school kids buying the drug from local stores.
“Herbal Incense”
In the U.S., where it is marketed as herbal incense, K2 can be obtained online, in local shops and even at gas stations. It can cost up to $40 for a gram. K2 is popular because its ingredients resemble THC, the element in marijuana, that gives users their desired high.
K2 Epidemic
The American Association of Poison Control Centers has reported 567 calls related to K2 thus far this year. Last year, there were only 13 calls. What is disturbing is that patients are going to emergency rooms complaining of symptoms, that are not normally associated with other synthetic drugs or marijuana. Health experts say K2 inhalers are often agitated and anxious and require many sedative doses.
K2 Suicide
Recently, David Rozga, a teenager in Iowa, committed suicide just after inhaling K2. His friends say Rozga freaked out after using K2. Then, the teenager blew his head with a rifle. Since, Rozga was not sad or depressed, police attribute the suicide to K2.
Drug Tests Cannot Detect K2
One of the major attractions of K2 is that is is not revealed in drug tests. Thus, even though users may not be aware of its ingredients, they still prefer to take a chance, as the urine test is clear. Producers of K2 are not fazed by the ban. They plan to simply replace the banned cannabinoids with other synthetics.
Cat and Mouse Game
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is expected to help by reviewing the cannabinoids in K2 and other synthetic drugs. This would help the agency place them under the Controlled Substances Act. Even the DEA is finding it hard to keep up with the inventions of smart chemists out in the streets. Meanwhile, state administrations, politicians, law enforcement officials and concerned parents are forced to play a cat-and-mouse game with narcotic drug makers and their users.
