'Potentially Fatal' Batch Of K2 Drug Reported On DC Streets

WASHINGTON, DC -- The synthetic drug "K2" has been reported on D.C. streets, and the mayor is warning residents.

Mayor Muriel Bowser tweeted out an emergency alert over the weekend, stating that a "potentially fatal batch of K2 is majorly impacting the district."

Also known as "spice" and often packaged as potpourri or incense, the drug can cause vomiting, loss of consciousness, and altered mental state.

Staying hydrated is one of the best ways to avoid overdosing on the drug (or, of course, avoiding the drug altogether).

EMERGENCY ALERT: A potentially fatal batch of K2 is majorly impacting the District. Symptoms include vomiting, loss of consciousness, and altered mental state. If you see someone experiencing an overdose, please call 911. pic.twitter.com/yMmEDL4wmU
— Mayor Muriel Bowser (@MayorBowser) September 15, 2018

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WTOP reports that there were 244 overdose cases from Sept. 10-16, with more than 80 cases on Friday alone.

K2 is often referred to as synthetic marijuana, although it is entirely chemically different from marijuana and far more dangerous.

K2 appeals to those who want to use marijuana but worry about it showing up on a drug test. Unfortunately, many people believe that K2 is as safe as marijuana when in fact it is very dangerous and often leads to fatal overdoses. Even in cases that are not fatal, it often leads to hospitalizations.

There are dozens of types of synthetic marijuana compounds, and many are illegal, but manufacturers continue to create new compounds that may get around existing laws, according to a CBS News report.

(Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)