Md. Health Officials Warn Of Synthetic Marijuana

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- A serious warning from state health officials about the dangers of synthetic marijuana.

Amy Yensi explains why young people are especially vulnerable.

The state health department is noting a spike in deaths and serious injuries in the last five years. They're warning everyone to stay away from synthetic marijuana.

With eye-catching packaging and easy access, health officials say synthetic marijuana is more popular than ever across the country and here in Maryland.

"It's really been an enormous spike in the abuse of this particular, very dangerous drug," said Dr. Howard Haft, deputy secretary of Public Health Services.

Dr. Haft is urging residents to avoid the man-made drug.

"We're seeing people acting in very bizarre and dangerous ways," he said. "And having enormously complex health problems related to the use of these dangerous substances."

Side effects range from hallucinations to death.

The colorful packets often disguised as potpourri or with catchy names, like K-2, are illegal.

Experts say synthetic marijuana is especially popular with young people, who may not even know they're breaking the law, because it can easily be found at convenience stores and even gas stations.

"They make it look like it's something else. Parents could be confused, public could be confused and they could get away with selling this in a gas station," said Mike Gimbel, substance abuse expert.

Though it looks like marijuana...

"This is a dangerous chemical. This is not marijuana. It's not to be confused with marijuana," said Gimbel. "This is much more potent, much more dangerous."

For parents worried that a child may be using synthetic marijuana, there are warning signs, including nausea, increased heart rate and excessive sweating.