There is a problem growing on America’s college campuses, and it’s names are too many to list. Previously known as the now outlawed “K2,” these products are responsible for countless calls to the national poison control center each year in the United States. Synthetic marijuana products that are sold at gas stations, convenience stores and “head shops” have indeed caused more than 750 calls to poison centers so far in this year alone. Authorities, doctors, and other concerned people are hence moving quickly to outlaw all of these substances and other things like them.
These products seem to present a dire health risk that is not worth it for consumers. Medical directors first noticed the increased calls about these substances to the centers last fall. The products are supposed to create a similar effect to marijuana, but the problem with bulk herbal incense is, patients often report the opposite. Instead of a pleasant, relaxed feeling of well being, they experience a fast, racing heartbeat, elevated blood pressure and nausea. All of these are quite terrifying and can be life threatening if not seen to immediately.
These products, mostly marketed as incense or potpourri, have been sold since 2006 for about $40 per 3 grams. Parents ought to be on the lookout for what appears like incense in their child’s rooms and should watch to see if their children seem more stressed or anxiety filled than normal.
“Statistics clearly show that this is an emerging phenomenon,” said Alvin C. Bronstein, MD, acting director of toxicosurveillance for the American Association of Poison Control Centers. “The symptoms can be life-threatening.”
Health worries related to these products have caused several states to enforce laws prohibiting the manufacture, sale, and use of the products: On Tuesday, the Iowa Board of Pharmacy elected to entirely ban the sale of these products. At least nine other states including North Carolina have also banned or outlawed these products, and more are expected to follow in the coming months as the definition for what these drugs must be made of to be considered illegal is broadened. Also, employers can now detect these products in drug screening tests — which should serve to turn people away from using these dangerous combinations of chemicals and herbs.
