Synthetic Cannabis: The Newest Unhealthy Craze Among Teens

The war on drugs has been around for decades in this country, what started out as solely an inner city problem, has escalated quickly and become a large problem in the suburbs too. Unfortunately, Orange County is no exception to this. Teens have been experimenting with drugs and it appears they continue to do so, with no regard to their own health or safety.

The newest trend for the teen crowd, comes in the form of marijuana. However, this marijuana is unlike the drug that has circulated for so long, this is even more hazardous.

Synthetic Marijuana a psychoactive drug derived of natural herbs sprayed with synthetic chemicals that, when consumed, allegedly mimic the effects of cannabis. This drug was originally marketed as incense, as it has a specific smell, and look to it. It is best known by the brand names K2 and Spice.

Having affects quite different to that of regular marijuana, this synthetic drug can precipitate psychosis and in some cases it is prolonged. In some recorded cases, according to The American Association of Poison Control Centers, inhaling or ingesting the drug results in what is called "synthetic cannabinoid intoxication." Symptoms of which include a catatonic state, often with eyes open, being no responsive to verbal or pain cues, hallucinations, slurred or slowed speech and profuse perspiration.

Because Synthetic Marijuana does not contain THC like traditional marijuana does, it does not show up on a standard drug test. This is most likely one of the most appealing things to teens when taking the drug, besides of course, these drastic bodily affects.

The bottom line is, this drug is dangerous. It has even taken the lives of a few teens. Most notably is the case of David Mitchell Rozga who ended his own life in an apparent hallucinogenic rage after smoking K2. On July 10, President Barack Obama signed the Synthetic Drug Abuse Prevention Act of 2012 into law. It banned synthetic compounds commonly found in synthetic marijuana, placing them under Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. 

Regardless of this, the synthetic drug is still widely available and highly dangerous. A reported 1 in 9 high school students has tried synthetic marijuana or a substance resembling it. This is plain scary. Warn your children that the dangers of drugs, not just synthetic marijuana, are very real.

If you or anyone you know exhibits signs of any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.