By Donna Bush, Ph.D. (NAPSA)—Arecent Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)report revealed that emergency department visits resulting from synthetic marijuana more than doubled in just one year. Most commonly known asSpice, synthetic cannabinoids go by many street names such as K2, Spice, Diamond, fake weed, Yucatan Fire, Moon Rocks and Skunk. The herb is often marketed as herbal incense and potpourri, and labeled “not for human consumption,” making it legal to sell and for minors to purchasethe drug. Manufacturers sometimes include “organic” in the nameto give the appearance of a natural product that does not harm health. Similar to how cigarettes were once marketed, Spice packaging often features cartoons and images appealing to the 12 to 18 age group, and the product can easily be purchasedonline, or in convenience stores or head shops. What Makes Spice So Dangerous? Spice (synthetic cannabinoid) is a designer drug that is made with analogs or a chemical structure similar to commonly used illicit drugs. The composition of these products changes constantly, as manufacturers create new variations to get around legislation to make a specific compoundillegal. The manmade chemicals are typically sprayed on a plant or herb (not marijuana) that is most commonly smoked, and mimicstheeffects of the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. Because this product is labeled “not for human consumption,” the intended use is masked and productionis not subject to quality control procedures or oversight that would be applied to other drugs; what makes its way into the handsof teens may contain substances that can have serious health consequences. With no warning labels, young people are not aware that using these products can be harmful or even deadly. It is most often young men who reach the point of crisis and seek medicalcare for a range of symptoms that can includesevere agitation, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, rapid T) Parents, teachers and doctors can protect young people from a pair of dangerous street drugs. heartbeat, elevated blood pressure, tremors, seizures, hallucinations, paranoia and unresponsiveness. Bath Salts: Another Threat Bath salts are another designer drug marketed to and used by youth in a mannersimilar to Spice. Bath salts are also used by those 20 to 29 years old. Known commonlyasBliss, Bloom, Ivory Wave and Scarface, bath salts contain synthetic cathinonessimilar to amphetamines. Sometimes marketed as jewelry cleaner, plant food or phone screen cleaner, bath salts are presumed to contain methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) and other similar chemicals, although there is uncertainty because tests do not always detect these substances. When bath salts are used, the effects can include agitation, aggression and violent behavior, anxiety and panic attacks, paranoia, confusion, hallucinations and delusions, psychosis, chest pains, increased heart rate, heightened blood pressure and sometimes suicidal ideation or suicide attempts. Undetectable In Drug Screens The synthetic designer drugs are also popular with people who are subject to mandatory drugtesting. Although someof the psychoactive compoundscanbe detected in tests, many routine drug screens do not pick up these chemicals. For prevention information and more about Spice and other substances, visit www.newslet ter.samhsa.gov. This article is reprinted from SAMHSA News.
