Subject: Evolving New Drug Abuse Problem - Synthetic Marijuana
Date: 2/22/2010; 16:27:28
Message#: 101549-2-22-2010-PHAD
Contact Info: Steven M. Marcus MD, New Jersey Poison Information and Education System
Phone: 973-972-9280; Email:
smarcus@njpies.orgAttachments: None
For the past 2 weeks, NJPIES has been monitoring the introduction of a “synthetic” marijuana called k2 marijuana, into the midwest. The poison center in St Louis, Missouri reported multiple instances of teenagers and young adults appearing in emergency rooms with symptoms of agitation after smoking this product. The substance is sold in convenience stores and appears to look like pot pourri. At the present time, we have no information about what it may actually contain, but some of the individuals seen in the emergency rooms have tested positive for cannabis.
Last Friday, NJPIES received a call about 2 teenagers who purchased a product “JWH-018” from an internet source. This product is said to be a synthetic marijuana as well. Both teenagers had stimulated vital signs which improved over 6-8 hours and they were discharged.
Over the weekend an article appeared in a Philadelphia newspaper of the interception of a large shipment of JWH-018 at the Philadelphia International Airport on February 16 .
It is unclear if K2 and JWH-018 are related chemically. Synthetic cannabinoids are not, currently, classified as narcotics. They may be classed as drugs and thus under FDA regulations, but law enforcement currently is looking into what can be done.
NJPIES suggests that urine be obtained for testing for marijuana (THC) as well as contaminants such as clenbuterol, and others. We urge testing of electrolytes and blood glucose to determine if the agitation seen in these cases match the previous outbreak associated with clenbuterol contamination.
Any questions please call NJPIES at 1-800-222-1222.
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