RB High Hosts Drug Abuse Forum Wednesday

on Wednesday will host the first of three substance abuse forums in the district as officials seek to identify and find solutions for dangerous and potentially deadly drug use, especially synthetic drugs, among the student body.

The free forum hosted by the Poway Unified School District, which runs from 6-7:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center, will feature the co-founders of PASS—People Against Spice Sales.

"When we do our forums, I just encourage parents to know what's being sold in their neighborhood markets, gas stations, because we predominantly see these products in the mom and pop stores," said Eliza Bodie Cardin, a mother of three who co-founded PASS with former sheriff's deputy William Perno after noticing her children talking about synthetic drugs online.

Spice, or K2, is synthetic marijuana which is now illegal to distribute, and its use presents a host of potential health problems such as paranoia, panic attacks and increased heart rate. Bath salts are another synthetic drug which can mimic the effects of amphetamines and cause hallucinations and violent episodes.

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Cardin said forum attendees can expect to see the products and learn how they're made; learn about symptoms and hear stories from people affected; and hear about what's being done on the legislative level to address synthetic drug use.

• What: Substance Abuse Forum
• When: 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25.
• Where: Rancho Bernardo High School Performing Arts Center, 13010 Paseo Lucido.
• Who: All

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