Author: Shernide Delva
California has had enough. A month after more than 50 skid row residents were hospitalized for Spice in less than a week, the drug has officially been banned. Back in August, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued warnings about the Spice poisoning to health care professionals. However, it did not spice skid row residents from using the synthetic cannabinoid.
“These synthetic drugs are a uniquely dangerous threat to public safety,” Sen. Cathleen Galgiani (D-Stockton) said to her colleagues before Senate Bill 139 was voted in unanimously, according to the Los Angeles Times.
The selling of spice is already illegal, but now the drug will be banned altogether. The measure was supported by multiple law enforcement groups including:
- The Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs
- The California Police Chiefs Association
- The Los Angeles Police Protective League
- The American Civil Liberties Union
- The Drug Policy Alliance
“[This law] is very important because young people believe that if a drug is not illegal, it is okay and that it is safe,” Galgiani said. “But underground chemists manufacture these drugs in warehouses and then market them to kids as being legal when in fact they are more dangerous.”
Unlike cannabis, Spice is made by spraying various chemicals onto dried plant matter. It is known for leading into unpredictable behaviors and life-threatening side-effects. The problem with spice is simple: no one knows that is in it. Therefore, a person who uses it could eventually get a bad batch and die. Also, the way spice is made is very synthetic, and the body’s response to these chemicals is uncertain.
“This drug is extremely harmful, and not much is known about what goes into making Spice,” the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said in an alert issued in August. “While no deaths have been reported from this recent outbreak of ‘Spice’ toxicity, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is concerned about further health impacts of this drug in communities across the county. The patients reportedly exhibited symptoms of altered mental status, ataxia, and decreased consciousness, consistent with a sympathomimetic toxidrome.”
The homeless population uses this drug the most. The homeless city inhabitants are preyed upon by dealers who sell spice joints for a dollar under street names like K2, Scooby Snax, and Black Magic, according to the Los Angeles Daily News.
Blue flyers have been passed out on Skid Row reading: “Synthetic marijuana can kill. All batches aren’t the same! The high isn’t worth it.”
The use of Spice has resulted in various symptoms including:
- Rapid heart rate
- Vomiting
- Agitation
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
The poison control center has seen a spike in patients coming in exhibiting these symptoms. The synthetic substance has a tendency to raise blood pressure and reduce blood supply to the heart (myocardial ischemia). Spice addiction treatment is available and is designed to help individuals recognize the treat these health risks.
The withdrawal symptoms of spice are:
- Loss of appetite
- Extreme Sweating
- Inability to sleep
- Intense cravings
- Depression
- Loss of motivation
- Psychotic episodes
- Suicidal thoughts
- Failure to care about consequences
While it is uncomfortable to have to go through these withdrawals, it is necessary to detoxify the body. Spice addiction treatment is set up to help someone who has struggled with spice addiction to withdraw the drug in a safe, comfortable drug.
Unfortunately, the homeless populations have limited access to treatment and resources. There need to be programs geared at this community to aid them in combating their addiction. These communities are some of the few with a major spice issue.
Overall, spice addiction has resulted in enough cased that it is banned. Do you think the drug should be prohibited? Regardless, the use of any drug only deters you from living a healthier life. We can help you get on the path to sobriety. Call now. We can help.
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