Synthetic Marijuana is a mixture of herbs sprayed with a mixture of chemicals causing similar experiences as Marijuana. Synthetic marijuana can cause an altered state of consciousness, sweats, fever, and an elevated heart rate that can lead to heart attack or even death. Seizures and violent behavior have been the leading reactions. Although Plainview has not banned the sale of synthetic marijuana, it is illegal to sell synthetic marijuana for the purpose of consumption. Stores are still selling, BUT labelling it as “not for human consumption,” “aromatherapy,” “incense,” or “potpourri”. Because of the violent behavior--Rusty Powers, Plainview Fire Cheif, stated "that our very own Plainview Police Department gave our Plainview EMS a 16hour self-defense class known as defensive tactics because of the increased use of synthetic marijuana." This course was mainly to help find ways to protect themselves from these violent users!! Like Marijuana, the synthetic marijuana is abused by mainly smoking. This drug is easily accessible because of the way the stores are labelling it. You do not have to be 18 years or older to purchase it. The popularity along with the misconception of synthetic marijuana is the term “legal weed”. Another selling point is not easily detected in standard drug tests. Both of which do not mean SAFE! Please SIGN this petition so that we can ban the sale of synthetic marijuana and get this evil drug off of our streets, out of our town and AWAY from our children!
STATISTICS:
- According to Powers, within the last year he has seen over 35+ users being poisoned because of synthetic marijuana. “This drug is extremely dangerous because it is so unpredictable. It is really scary on the medical side of things because their typical medications and treatments are not working. Leaving the drug to just run its course.”
- Captain Dennis Harkins from our Plainview Police Department stated their patrolmen were dealing with on average at least 1 per day that were either escorted to Covenant Hospital or arrested for the public intoxication.
- Both Harkins and Powers stated that synthetic marijuana was becoming more frequently unpredictable and the users were extremely violent.
- An emergency room RN at Covenant Hospital agrees it is a major issue. Certain shifts see more than others but it is a frequent occurrence. Once they are brought to the emergency, treatment usually entails calling poison control. Usually they transfer the patient to UMC, Covenant in Lubbock, or the psychiatric facility. Each patient reacts differently.
