Long Island Students Experience 'Severe' Seizures From Synthetic Marijuana

They are often referred to as “synthetic marijuana,” but synthetic cannabinoids such as “K2 or ”Spice” affect the brain much more powerfully than marijuana and their effects can be unpredictable and, in some cases, severe or even life-threatening.

That was the case recently for multiple students in the Sachem School District who “experienced severe seizures as a result of using a synthetic cannabinoid,” Sachem Superintendent James Nolan said in a statement posted on the district’s Facebook page Tuesday night.

Nolan did not specify how many students suffered seizures, but he called them “very frightening situations” and he said the school community needs ”to work together so that we are all educated, informed and aware. Like every other substance abuse situation, no person, no family, no school, and no community is immune to these horrors. We cannot live in denial. It is all about keeping our children safe and healthy.”

Synthetic cannabinoids refer to a growing number of man-made mind-altering chemicals that are either sprayed on dried, shredded plant material so they can be smoked (herbal incense) or sold as liquids to be vaporized and inhaled in e-cigarettes and other devices, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

Nolan said these devices ”come in very small sizes, which are easy to conceal.”

New York State has seen a more than an eightfold increase this year in emergency department visits (4,700 between April 1 and Sept. 3) related to adverse health effects due to synthetic drug use, including psychiatric emergencies, rapid heart rate and death, state officials said.

New York City recently banned the sale of synthetic cannabinoids and Gov. Andrew Cuomo has called for stronger Health Department regulations to fight the spread of synthetic drugs across New York. The state has also released a PSA (watch it below) warning residents about the dangers of synthetic drugs.

“Synthetic cannabinoids can have dangerous and long-lasting effects on the brain,” New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Commissioner Arlene González-Sánchez said. “Symptoms often present as psychosis and erratic, potentially harmful behaviors. Those who smoke these man-made chemical concoctions can be in danger of hurting themselves or others while under their influence.”

Read more about synthetic cannabinoids from the National Institute on Drug Abuse here.