Synthetic Marijuana - Research

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Specializes in Critical Care at Level 1 trauma center.

I am doing a research project for a regional medical center and would like to get some testimonials about how you treat patients coming in with synthetic marijuana intoxication. Obviously no patient identifiers but I would like to hear about cases and outcomes as well as what interventions you are using.

For example we had a patient who was on this crap developed a STEMI. When he went to cathlab there were no occlusions. STEMI was related to coronary artery spasm and increased myocardial O2 demand (severe tachycardia). He was in his 20s!

I have also had a patient who was on 12 of versed, 150 of fentanyl, 20 of propofol, restrained and still became so agitated that he got free of his restraints and extubated himself. His high tolerance to these drugs were attributed to his severe dependency on synthetic marijuana (used daily every 30min-1hr)

I want to spread awareness of this poison. Thanks for the help.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

It is clearly NOT really marijuana. It is mixed with other chemicals like MDMA that have serious effects. It has names like Spice, K2, No More Mr. Nice Guy, and hundreds of others, the drugs often called “synthetic marijuana” are – in reality – very different from marijuana. They contain powerful chemicals called cannabimimetics and can cause dangerous health effects. The drugs are made specifi cally to be abused. Like many other illegal drugs, synthetic marijuana is not tested for safety, and users don’t really know exactly what chemicals they are putting into their bodies.

These synthetic drugs can be extremely dangerous and addictive.....effects from the drug can be life-threatening and can include:

  • Severe agitation and anxiety.
  • Fast, racing heartbeat and higher blood pressure.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Muscle spasms, seizures, and tremors.
  • Intense hallucinations and psychotic episodes.
  • Suicidal and other harmful thoughts and/or actions.

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Specializes in Critical Care at Level 1 trauma center.

Thank you. One of the biggest problem I am experiencing is the wording "Synthetic Marijuana" leads one to believe that it is benign as marijuana (THC). I am speaking at a few middle schools next semester and this is going to be a big point that I will try to push. We have to get the word out that this is in no way shape or form THC. It is a deadly poison!

Thanks for the feedback.

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Specializes in Dialysis.

Also a few cases of renal failure requiring hemodialysis. Poison is the correct description.

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/256466.php

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
Thank you. One of the biggest problem I am experiencing is the wording "Synthetic Marijuana" leads one to believe that it is benign as marijuana (THC). I am speaking at a few middle schools next semester and this is going to be a big point that I will try to push. We have to get the word out that this is in no way shape or form THC. It is a deadly poison!

Thanks for the feedback.

Euphemisms are frequently used by dealers to lure an unsuspecting teen in...like bath salts.
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Or potpourri is one the kids around here call it.

I work in psych and have had two patients have psychotic breaks that they did not return to baseline after. One is a drooling mess but no brain damage visible on MRI. Both teens. One had a promising college football career that will never be realized.

I should also add I have seen numerous suicide attempts after the use of synthetic marijuana.

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