Autopsy: Synthetic Pot Contributed to Teen's Death

An autopsy report released by the Pinellas County Medical Examiner to Palm Harbor Patch found that synthetic pot intoxication was a contributing factor in the drowning of Palm Harbor University High grad Logan Kushner. The Medical Examiner ruled the 19 year-old's death as accidental. 

Kushner was found unresponsive in the water at Clearwater's Kapok park in the early morning of January 8. Investigators say Kushner and a friend were smoking the herbal incense "Jazz" at the park, when Kushner began acting strangely and jumped into the creek. The friend left Kushner at the park, because he had to be home in time for his curfew. According to Clearwater Police, some of Kushner's friends later went back to the park and found him unresponsive in the water (

Toxicology reports released with the autopsy report found the following synthetic cannabinoids in Kushner's system-

• 9.0 ng/ml of AM-2201
• .53 ng/ml of JWH-018 

These synthetic cannabinoids have been identified in products sold as "herbal incense'.  The products are sold under wide variety of names, including but not limited to: Spice, Yucatan Fire, Smoke, Sence, K2, Skunk, Space, K2 Citron and K2 Blonde. These products may be used as an alternative to cannabis, according to the toxicology report. 

Last month, Florida Governor Rick Scott signed a law expanding the list of synthetic drugs banned in Florida. The law is now in effect and makes it a third degree felony to sell manufacture or intend to sell certain synthetic drugs, including synthetic cannabis.

The autopsy report also said that there were multiple superficial cuts, scrapes and bruises on Kushner's body. Bill Pellon, Director of Investigations for the Pinellas County Medical Examiner says this occurance is common with drowning victims.

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