By: Megan Farley
Staff Writer
10/16/18
In the past few months, we have seen a drastic increase in the number of deaths and overdoses tied to ‘bad batches’ of synthetic marijuana. The epidemic is nationwide, but in D.C. alone, there have recently been a series of mass overdoses.
Between the months July and September, 1,663 patients reported overdose symptoms related to synthetic marijuana, According to an article by Elizabeth Douglas in The Hoya. In the first week of September alone, nearly 250 overdoses were reported in our nation’s capital.
This outbreak grew so quickly that an emergency legislation went into effect to try and crack down on synthetic drugs. This massive epidemic has drawn many to wonder what is causing synthetic marijuana to become so popular. This past August, New Haven, CT suffered an outbreak of over 100 overdoses linked to the use of synthetic marijuana. Synthetic marijuana is a mix of herbs or spices that are then combined with chemicals (Fentanyl being one of them) that mock THC in marijuana.
However, the term ‘synthetic marijuana’ is misleading as it has little to do with the natural herb that is slowly being legalized nationwide. The Hoya explains that K2, also known as Spice, has an acute effect on the cannabinoid receptors in your brain. This is what gives it its misleading name. They are being sold to people under the pretense that it is similar and not dangerous by depicting it as the sibling of marijuana. This is causing massive overdoses in people who don’t understand the chemical compounds within the drug.
Please remember that if you or a loved one is suffering with substance abuse, please let someone know or call 1-877-589-7257 for a 24/7 hotline.
farlmega@my.dom.edu
