Parent Alert: K2 or “Spice”

K2 (also known as “spice” or “fake weed”) is a synthetic marijuana product often sold at head and smoking/tobacco shops and through the Internet. It has been sold since 2006 as incense or potpourri. Its price is comparable to marijuana. Using it is like spraying dry herbs with unknown chemicals and then smoking them. After smoking K2 many youth are ending up in emergency rooms. Symptoms include rapid heart rate, elevated blood pressure, severe agitation, anxiety and vomiting.

“K2 may be a mixture of herbal and spice plant products, but it is sprayed with a potent psychotropic drug and likely contaminated with an unknown toxic substance that is causing many adverse effects. These toxic chemicals are neither natural nor safe,” said Anthony Scalzo, M.D., professor of toxicology at Saint Louis University, who also directs the Missouri Regional Poison Control Center. He noted that because the product ingredients aren’t listed on the packaging, smoking it is a major gamble.

Six states have banned the product and others are considering banning it. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency is looking into adding Spice to the schedule (official list) of controlled substances. Further testing is needed [to understand all the effects], but Dr. Scalzo said the symptoms, such as fast heart beat, dangerously elevated blood pressure, pale skin and vomiting suggest that K2 is affecting the cardiovascular system of users. It also is believed to affect the central nervous system, causing severe, potentially life-threatening hallucinations and, in some cases, seizures. The long-term impact is not known yet.

What parents can do:

• Tell their children (age appropriately) that this is a potentially dangerous product.

• Make sure their children know any chemical not intended for human consumption can be deadly or do serious harm when misused.

• Talk about how they would disapprove of their child using this substance and any other substance abuse.

• Parents can also be on the lookout for warning signs such as agitation, pale appearance, anxiety or confusion due to hallucinations.

• Check into any dried herb residue lying around in unusual places, like bedrooms.

If you suspect your child is using alcohol, tobacco or other drugs, do not be afraid to ask for help. For more information, contact STEPS at Liberty Center’s Prevention Department at 330-264-8498 (http://www.stepsatlibertycenter.org/).