Thousands call poison control centers because of fake marijuana use

BALTIMORE - The sale and use of so called “fake marijuana” is keeping poison control centers, across the United States, very busy. In 2010 poison centers got 2,874 calls concerning products like: K2, Spice, Genie, Yucatan Fire, Sense, Smoke, Skunk, and Zohai. The number of calls has increased concerns about these products.

Even in 2011 20 poison centers reported 1,639 calls, as of April.

The acting Director of Toxic Surveillance for the American Association of Poison Control Centers, Alvin Bronstein, MD says, “Statistics from NPDS show that this is an emerging phenomenon. The symptoms can be life threatening.”

When a child displays symptoms of over-dosing the Poison Control Centers get the call for help. Jim Hirt, Executive Director of the American Association of Poison Control Centers says, “Poison centers are staffed with medical professionals who are trained to know how to treat poison exposure, including exposure to synthetic marijuana.” Those centers are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week to answer your questions.

Call 1-800-222-1222 to get the help you need.