Colorado authorities believe that a bad batch of synthetic marijuana taken at a Phish concert over Labor Day weekend is responsible for the hospitalization of more than 60 people.
However, this is only the latest in a rash of hospitalizations nationwide related to synthetic marijuana, and raises questions about the drug’s legality, even in states where marijuana use is legal.
Hospitalizations at Denver and Colorado Springs-area hospitals noted on Tuesday that many of the patients suffered serious allergic reactions after taking a specific type of synthetic marijuana called “Black Mamba.” Between the two hospitals, authorities believed that the ingestion occurred over the three-day weekend at a Phish concert.
“Black Mamba,” along with synthetic marijuana strains “K2” and “Spice,” are created using a chemical substance that mimics the effects of THC, which is found in naturally-grown marijuana. The DEA recently cracked down on synthetic drugs, especially synthetic marijuana, which were sold as “incense” in many stores and were considered legal, meaning that anyone, including teenagers, could purchase the drugs and get high.
Denver Health Medical Center reported that patients admitted due to the synthetic marijuana reaction were screaming and violent. Other patients were brought in having seizures, or unresponsive. Doctors have put several patients on life support, and many have wound up in comas. Charge Nurse Amanda Puhal, of the University of Colorado Hospital, said she has worked in the emergency room for 11 years and has never seen an outbreak this bad.
“There have been reported fatalities in other states,” emergency room doctor Jeffrey Sankoff told 7News. “In our cases, abusers have been out in traffic, they’ve jumped off buildings. Agitation to the point where they’re totally out of mind.’”
Medical toxicologist Dr Kennon Heard said he wouldn’t be surprised if someone dies in this outbreak. “The truth is that these people are sick enough that if they didn’t get health care, there’s a good chance that some of them wouldn’t have made it,” Heard said
While organic marijuana is legal for recreational use in Colorado and Washington state, Colorado has made the move to ban synthetic marijuana.
Synthetic Marijuana Could Become lllegal Soon
The Los Angeles Times reported in 2011 that synthetic marijuana may have a chemical like THC, and may cause the user to get high, but the high is not at all like that from natural, grown marijuana. John W. Huffman, one of the scientists behind the creation of some synthetic strains of marijuana told The L.A. Times that the synthetics were “never intended for human consumption” and that “anybody who uses them is playing Russian roulette… they have profound psychological effects.”
“You can’t overdose on marijuana,” Huffman said. “But you might on these compounds.”
A UK study in 2012 showed the same results – synthetic marijuana caused a different, less pleasurable high, which was more likely to induce feelings of paranoia. It was also more harmful to the lungs than smoking organic marijuana. Reportedly, many users involved in the study sought emergency medical help after ingesting synthetic marijuana.
Although US Attorney General Eric Holder recently stated that the Department of Justice will let Colorado and Washington state put their marijuana laws into effect, the DEA is cracking down on synthetic marijuana use specifically. In May of this year, the DEA made three types of synthetic marijuana temporarily illegal in order to further investigate their effects. The statute is in effect for two years.
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