Synthetic marijuana: a dangerous drug at a cheap price

CDC team delves into outbreak

Starting in late August, nearly 50 instances of severe illness possibly associated with synthetic marijuana use were reported to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). Synthetic marijuana is a designer drug that does not contain marijuana but rather contains any of a variety of plants sprayed with laboratory-produced chemicals.

Despite laws prohibiting the sale of synthetic marijuana, it is still widely available, often in colorful packages with cartoon-like characters and attractive brand names. Using synthetic marijuana is popular, particularly among teenagers and young adults seeking an alternative to marijuana or a new experience with a hallucinogenic drug. Reports of adverse health effects associated with synthetic marijuana use have increased recently.

In August 2013, a team of epidemiologists from the Health Studies Branch at CDC began working with the CDPHE to investigate reports of illness from smoking synthetic marijuana in Colorado. Metropolitan Denver emergency rooms treated more than 180 patients who likely had used synthetic marijuana. These patients commonly experienced altered mental status and increased heart rate.

In March 2013, the Wyoming Department of Health notified CDC of three patients hospitalized for unexplained acute kidney injury, all of whom reported recent use of synthetic marijuana. After Wyoming launched an investigation, six additional states reported 16 instances of patients who experienced adverse health effects after using synthetic marijuana.

New versions appear often

Although its dangers are widely publicized, synthetic marijuana is sold commonly and remains easily available. Despite their playful names, such as use Sexy Monkey, Black Mamba, and Twilight, using any of these products can cause severe reactions in people. Sadly, new versions continue to appear on the market because manufacturers change their chemical compounds to create a “new” drug and circumvent existing laws.

“Easy access and the misperception that these products are harmless have contributed to their popularity. These products are extremely harmful and anyone who has them should throw them out.” says Amy Wolkin, leader of the Health Studies Branch team that investigated the outbreak in Colorado.

How to get help

If someone you know has used synthetic marijuana and needs help, you can take the following steps.

• Call your personal physician.
• Call your local poison center at 1-800-222-1222. Poison experts can help you decide if someone can be treated at home or should go to the hospital. Poison Centers are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
• Call 911 immediately if someone stops breathing, collapses, or has a seizure. These symptoms can be life threatening and require immediate medical attention.

For more information on both CDC investigations, see “Severe Illness Associated with Reported Synthetic Marijuana Exposure—Colorado, August–September, 2013 and “Acute Kidney Injury Associated with Synthetic Cannabinoid Use—Multiple States, 2012”.