Synthetic Marijuana: Scarier Than You Thought
Synthetic Marijuana: Scarier Than You Thought
What are kids thinking these days? Remember when pot was simply just pot? Today pot can be many different things or hybrids of its once simple self. The increased potency or the unknown ingredients is causing havoc on unsuspecting weed smokers. In Houston, synthetic marijuana is the suspect in a case of 16-year-old Emily Bauer, who had slurred speech and then became violent, had strokes and experienced brain damage and partial blindness. Although doctors are not sure of the cause, her symptoms started after she started smoking synthetic marijuana bought at a gas station. There is no way to know if she will fully recover or exactly what caused her medical complications, because research has not been done on the ingredients of fake marijuana yet. Spice, Moon Rocks and K2 are just a few of the names for this potpourri masking as pot. The ingredients are always changing to ensure that it remains legal to sell. It is a mixture of herbs that have been treated with chemicals to produce euphoria-like state when smoked. But it also can produce seizures, confusion, hallucinations, aggressive behavior and vomiting. Congress and state legislatures have enacted laws about these products, but the manufacturers just tweak the ingredient mix. This keeps them within the law and also makes it difficult for doctors to know what is in the products being smoked. Emily and her family’s story of strength and perseverance through this tough time should be a testament to others to steer clear of all mood- and mind-altering substances. Drug rehab centers are not able to bill insurance companies for treating substance abuse of synthetic drugs. This makes it even more difficult for friends and family to find support for their loved ones who are abusing these types of substances. Do you know someone who needs help for synthetic drug addiction? How have you tried to help? Share your comments on Facebook. Your insight may help others looking for answers.
