New York Health Officials Sound Warning Over ‘Spice’ Overdoses
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Aaron Kohr/iStock/Thinkstock(ALBANY, N.Y.) -– New York health officials are warning of a recent increase in the use of a synthetic cannabinoid that has sent more than 160 patients to the hospital since April 8.
The drug, known as “spice,” is known to be marketed as incense, herbal mixtures or potpourri in order to mask its true purpose.
Calls to New York State poison control centers due to the use of the synthetic drugs have increased dramatically in the last two weeks, officials said.
Users of the synthetic mixtures typically experience symptoms that include agitation, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, high blood pressure, tremor, seizures, hallucinations, paranoia and violent behavior, according to health officials.
“Drugs like ‘spice’ pose a significant threat to public health and New Yorkers need to be aware of the dangers,” said acting New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker in a news release. “Since the exact compounds contained in synthetic cannabinoid products change so frequently, it’s often impossible for users to know exactly what they are putting in their body.”
Synthetic cannabinoids are marketed as legal and typically consist of plant material coated by chemicals which are supposed to mimic THC, the active chemical compound in marijuana.
In August 2012, the New York State Department of Health banned the sale and possession of dozens of substances used to make synthetic cannabinoids and bath salts.
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