15 People in Texas Overdose on Synthetic Marijuana in One Day

In Austin, Texas, fifteen people have reportedly overdosed on synthetic marijuana, according to EMS officials.

On Wednesday, April 30th, the Austin EMS responded to 15 calls of unconscious and sometimes combative individuals. Reportedly, the overdoses were due to a strain of synthetic marijuana called K2. Most of the overdoses occurred at multiple locations downtown, near the Austin Salvation Army, and the Resource Center for the Homeless.

So far, no one has been arrested in connection with the overdose deaths, according to Austin police. However, narcotics officers are still investigating the incidents, to determine if the synthetic marijuana was distributed from one location, or if the drug was laced with other chemicals.

In each of the reported cases, the drug user lost consciousness after smoking the synthetic marijuana, and when they woke up, they were disoriented, and often became violent.

The first synthetic marijuana overdose reportedly occurred at 7:30 AM on Wednesday, April 30th.

K2 started appearing in central Texas about 8 years ago, according to officers. At the time it was legal and sold in “head shops” as incense. The federal government officially banned the K2 strain of synthetic marijuana in 2012, but synthetic drug creators have manufactured several strains of synthetic marijuana since then which are technically legal.

Synthetic Marijuana Targeted by DEA for Dangerous Side Effects

In May, the DEA made three types of synthetic marijuana illegal with a “temporary” statute that put a halt to sales of the drugs for two years, so the agency could further study the side effects of designer drugs.

Synthetic marijuana belongs to a classification of drugs called canniboids, which have similar psychological effects as the active drugs in cannabis. Synthetic marijuana is often sprayed onto FDA-approved plant material, creating something a user could smoke or burn like incense, or consumed in another fashion. A recent study from the DEA declared that synthetic marijuana, also referred to as “fake pot,” “herbal incense,” or “potpourri,” constituted an imminent public safety hazard. Synthetic marijuana previously had no specific restrictions, and was often sold in corner stores and online. The drug can be purchased with no age restrictions, making it increasingly popular with minors and young adults.

State authorities have, so far, cooperated with the law. South Carolina authorities said in June of this year that they would also begin cracking down on “head shops,” which often sell synthetic marijuana.

The first federal-level case against a synthetic marijuana seller went to trial recently. Jim Carlson was convicted for selling synthetic marijuana and 50 other federal drug charges at his Colorado head shop, Last Place on Earth. The case hinged on whether or not synthetic marijuana was legal or not at the time of Carlson’s charges, and his attorney has asked for a retrial in the case.

The Strom Law Firm Can Help Defend Against Drug Charges Involving Synthetic Marijuana

If you or a loved one have been found with synthetic marijuana, or other synthetic drugs, you could face criminal charges ranging from misdemeanor to felony, depending on how much of the drug was on your person, and what your intent was with the drug. The drug crimes attorneys at the Strom Law Firm can help. Do not let drug charges for synthetic marijuana hurt your reputation or your future aspirations. We offer free, confidential consultations to discuss the facts of your case. Contact us today for help. 803.252.4800