SYNTHETIC MARIJUANA GROWS INTO PROBLEM FOR POLICE, POISON CENTERS

U.S. drug officials monitor growing use of legal products that have effects similar to, or even more potent, than real marijuana.

By Dave Matthews and Charles Menchaca

A new, "legal" way to get high is becoming a growing problem for authorities and the people who abuse various products containing synthetic marijuana.

Products containing synthetic marijuana mimic the effects of traditional marijuana. The products are largely unregulated and are generally available in local tobacco shops, drug officials said.

The suspected drugs are packaged as potpourri or incense, under names such as "K2," "Black Mamba" and more. They are sold in small quantities such as 1, 3 or 4 grams.

Most of the packaging on these products says "lab certified" or "Not for human consumption." But experts say the sellers and the customers know smoking it can get you high.

"This incense is hundreds of times more expensive than the other incense, so it's kind of sold with kind of a wink and a nod," said Special Agent Will Taylor, a spokesman for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration's Chicago Field Division.

"These store owners and people don't care what happens," Taylor said. "For them it's all about making money."

For some people, the effects of smoking the synthetic weed will be much like smoking regular weed--some paranoia, some giddiness and bloodshot eyes. For others, products containing the synthetic substance can lead to severe panic attacks, high blood pressure, nausea and an increased heart rate.

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