Synthetic Marijuana Overdoses Reach New High

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Synthetic marijuana overdoses have skyrocketed this year. Last year, the total number of overdoses ended at 3,682 according to the American Association of Poison Control Centers. By early July of this year, the number had already reached 4,377.

Called “weaponized marijuana” by the former New York Police Commissioner William Bratton. The drug has been attributed with violent crimes from 30% of police departments across America. Stabbings, shootings and violent public disturbances are frequently attributed to the drug’s use.

“These dangerous products do not belong on store shelves within our neighborhoods and are a threat to public health,” Bratton said in a statement to CNN.

One of the most dangerous things about this drug is the large variation in chemical make up between brands. Synthetic marijuana has been found to be of any of seven chemical structure groups, with several derivations of each. Although often referred to simply as synthetic cannabinoids, many of the substances are not structurally related to the so-called ‘classical’ cannabinoids, i.e. compounds, like THC which is based on dibenzopyran.

The effects of these drugs can be life threatening which is why being educated on them is so important. We provide drug education on the signs of abuse for synthetic marijuana and all other drugs. Call us now for help finding the best treatment for your loved one if someone you know is abusing drugs.