The Dangers of Synthetic Marijuana

Synthetic marijuana (fake pot) is a psychoactive herbal and chemical product which, when consumed, mimics the effects of cannabis. It is best known by the brand names K2 and Spice, both of which have largely become generalized names used to refer to any synthetic cannabis product.  It is engineered in a lab, not grown in the ground, and is many times more potent than natural marijuana.

Synthetic marijuana is unpredictable, made offshore and in garages, and is incredibly dangerous.  The public, especially parents, need to be aware of the dangers contained in the tiny foil packets labeled as "herbal incense" or "aromatic potpourri" as these materials are not just dangerous (and now often illegal) they can be fatal.  For years these products were sold in tobacco shops, convenience stores, and gas stations; but make no mistake, just because you could buy them at the corner store does not mean that these lab-created chemicals were ever safe.

Since our products liability case for "iAroma" potpourri was filed on behalf of the family of Max Dobner (a copy of the Complaint can be found here), the media has been littered with stories about synthetic marijuana (also known as iAroma, K2, Spice, or herbal potpourri) and the dangers these products carry with them. Sadly, a number of these stories have been tragic as they relate to the death or hospitalization of young adults who smoked synthetic marijuana.  Thankfully, there has been some good news in the media lately with regard to the fight to outlaw synthetic marijuana, including statewide bans in some areas of the country, such as Illinois.  But, there are still numerous families across the country dealing with the aftermath of someone using one of these dangerous synthetic marijuana products.

By the Numbers: Synthetic Marijuana is a Dangerous and Growing Problem

►The American Assn. of Poison Control Centers reported 5,853 calls to poison centers that were related to synthetic marijuana from January to November 2011, a dramatic increase from 303 such calls in 2010. Centers reported that they received 6,348 calls related to synthetic marijuana in 2011.

►At least 2,700 people have fallen ill from synthetic drugs between January and April of 2011 [just in four months], compared with fewer than 3,200 cases in all of 2010;

►In the past year, more than 20 deaths have been linked to the use of products sold under such innocuous names as bath salts, plant food, herbal incense and research chemicals.

►Hopeful News:  As of October, at least 40 states had banned synthetic marijuana and eight more were working on outlawing it, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.  Also, a Bill currently being considered now in the Illinois House – HB 5233 – defines a synthetic drug product as one that contains a controlled substance not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The bill would make it illegal under the Illinois Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act to sell these drugs or to falsely advertise a synthetic drug product.

To help fight this battle against dangerous drugs like synthetic marijuana, and similar products containing the "JWH" compounds, we have created this informative website to help answer questions and bring to light this dangerous situation created by dangerous drugs, marketed to kids.  It is imperative that all parents be familiar with the information on this site so that they can educate their children about the risks and dangers these products pose, and to make sure families know that there are people out there that can help them deal with the consequences caused by synthetic marijuana.