Maryland Poison Center says it has logged more than 200 synthetic pot cases

BALTIMORE - Synthetic pot use is problematic in Maryland, according to officials with the Maryland Poison Center.  ABC2 has obtained statistics from the Poison Center, which has documented a total of 229 cases related to synthetic pot between the start of 2011 and April 30, 2012.  Those cases are logged when patients contact the Poison Center after experiencing unwanted effects or by emergency departments and first responders who see the patients.

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According to the report supplied by the Poison Center, Anne Arundel County logged the highest volume of cases in 2011, with 23 reported.  Baltimore and Harford counties were each responsible for 17 synthetic marijuana-related reports that year.  Baltimore City had 16 cases, while Frederick County logged 13.  So far in 2012, Baltimore City has racked up the highest total of synthetic pot-related cases, with 23. 

The Maryland Poison Center says the youngest patient listed in their database for 2011 is just 10 years old, with the oldest listed at 57.  Their statistics show the largest population of synthetic pot users is people between the ages of 13-29.

In both 2011 and 2012, at least 80 percent of the patients treated for synthetic pot usage at local emergency rooms were treated and released.  No deaths related to the drug have been reported in Maryland in the last two years.