According to the Mississippi State Department of Health, the number of emergency room visits and hospitalizations related to the use of synthetic cannabinoids or spice, is on the rise.
Since April 2, more than 97 cases have been reported to the Mississippi Poison Control Center, an MSDH release states.
Officials in more than 20 counties, including Pearl River, reported cases where people were admitted to an emergency room due to an overdose of spice.
The MSDH defines spice as a blend of herbs and artificial stimulants designed to mimic the effects of marijuana. However, the MSDH warns that the effects of spice are more powerful than marijuana and can cause serious illness or death. Production of spice includes the use of unnatural products, including a hazardous mixture of plant products and unpredictable chemicals in unregulated amounts, the MSDH’s website states.
Highland Community Hospital’s ER Director Robin Montalbano said that in the past month, the ER has treated patients who have used spice. However, due to the fact that there is not a specific drug screen, ER staff can only treat the symptoms.
“We also rely on the patient to tell us that they have used spice,” Montalbano said.
Spice users may experience symptoms such as severe agitation, hyperactivity, anxiety, racing heartbeat, elevated blood pressure, muscle spasms, seizures, tremors, intense hallucinations, psychotic episodes and coma, the release states.
According to the MSDH’s website, the FDA has banned many of the chemicals used to create spice. However, newer versions are appearing at a rapid rate to dodge regulation.
“No one really knows what they are buying,” Montalbano said. “We stress that people stay away from it.”
The easy availability and claims of being “natural” have made the use of spice popular among teenagers, the MSDH’s website states.
According to the MSDH’s website, the synthetic marijuana is known by many brand names, including K2, Mojo, Skunk, Spice, Spice Diamond, Moon Rocks and Yucatan Fire. They bear resemblance to shredded plants or potpourri and are generally labeled “not for human consumption” to avoid regulation. Some may be sold as incense.
“Spice is an unregulated drug,” State Epidemiologist Dr. Thomas Dobbs said in the release. “We are seeing people become extremely ill with even the tiniest amount of use. There is absolutely no safe level of inhalation. This is an incredibly dangerous drug and needs to be taken very seriously.”
“If the patient is experiencing bizarre symptoms related to the use of spice, we do not recommend putting that person in the car,” Montalbano and Infection Control RN Christy Bowen said. “You just never know what could happen. Call 911 or the Mississippi Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 immediately.”