Posted on Mon, Mar 19, 2012 : 5:47 p.m.
Report: ER doctors may not recognize fake marijuana symptoms
By Cindy Heflin
As the use of synthetic marijuana grows more popular among teens, an article in the journal Pediatrics warns emergency room doctors may not be familiar with the symptoms, USA Today reported.
The authors of the journal article wrote that it’s important for doctors and others, including schools and parents, to know the symptoms caused by synthetic marijuana, which require immediate medical attention.
Symptoms include excessive sweating, agitation, inability to speak, aggression and restlessness, the USA Today article said.
Synthetic marijuana is a blend of plant and herbal materials that have been sprayed with chemicals. It has names such as K2 and Spice.
Comments
rusty shackelford
Tue, Mar 20, 2012 : 2:52 p.m.
These drugs are completely different chemical structures from THC. They are not any more "fake marijuana" than oregano is. These substances are in fact quite dangerous , it's very easy to OD. To OD on marijuana is physically impossible. One would have to inhale the equivalent of over 1,000 joints at once. (Maybe Snoop Dogg could mange this, but not mere mortals.) The scientist who developed these compounds believes they should be illegal, but that marijuana should be legal. In the future, do not conflate research chemicals with marijuana. Spreading misinformation about drugs can be dangerous.
ChelseaBob
Tue, Mar 20, 2012 : 10:45 a.m.
Wow- What a piece of journalism. The story is about a story in USA Today. And the story in USA Today must be based on a report several years old, since the feds went after and banned K-2 and Spice over a year ago. Do a little research next time.
Michael J
Tue, Mar 20, 2012 : 2:31 p.m.
There is not just one type of K-2, they are a series of "JWH" compounds including JWH 018, 073, and others, with JWH-018 being probably the most common. Several of them have been outlawed, while others are still not. This is some really nasty stuff, I really have no idea why anyone would try this considering its adverse effects have not been studied and it is there is not one natural thing about it...made in the chem lab from all sorts of nasty, toxic, synthetic, corrosive chemicals and solvents.
Joe_Citizen
Tue, Mar 20, 2012 : 12:24 a.m.
Nothing to do with pot, and this is no fake weed, synthetic, or anywhere near marijuana. There are no medicinal elements, nor is it a natural substance, if it is sprayed with chemicals. 10 years from now there will be adds for lawyers from people who have formed health problems from ingesting this stuff. Please don't be telling our kids that it is synthetic or fake pot, it is a strait out lie. Who ever wrote this article should do some investigating before you make such false claims. Further more I would much rather my kids smoke real and natural pot, if they are so inclined to do so. Thank You very much! Good Day!
Dennis
Mon, Mar 19, 2012 : 11:51 p.m.
Can't kids just use real drugs?
jns131
Tue, Mar 20, 2012 : 3:09 p.m.
Actually LSD was created in a lab and then went onto the streets and not controlled until the late 60's. So, in reality LSD is a synthetic drug that took off. As for fake weed? We have fake cigarettes. What is the diff?
Joe_Citizen
Tue, Mar 20, 2012 : 12:20 a.m.
Agreed, and there is nothing fake weed, synthetic, or any where near marijuana. There are no medicinal nor is it a natural substance, if it is sprayed with chemicals. 10 years from now there will be adds for lawyers from people who have formed health problems from ingesting this stuff. Please don't be telling our kids that it is synthetic or fake pot, it is a strait out lie. Who ever wrote this article should do some investigating before you make such false claims. Further more I would much rather my kids smoke real and natural pot, if they are so inclined to do so.
Angry Moderate
Mon, Mar 19, 2012 : 10:30 p.m.
Awful journalism. This is NOT marijuana, synthetic or any other type.