Download Synthetic Marijuana - Central Dauphin School District

The Synthetic Drug
Trend
Looking to Understand the Shift in Adolescent Drug Use
Presented by Mazzitti and Sullivan Counseling
Shocker! Teens aren’t as smart as they think they are.
Undeveloped Minds:
Recent research proves that the human brain is not fully
developed until around the age of 25.
Do chemicals change the brain?
 "The addicted brain is distinctly different from the
nonaddicted brain, as manifested by changes in brain
metabolic activity, receptor availability, gene expression,
and responsiveness to environmental cues.“ (1)
 Drug addiction works on some of the same neurobiological
mechanisms that aid in learning and memories.
1. Nicole Pietras, "Drug Addiction: A Brain Disease"
Can addiction be prevented by
delaying drug use onset?
 Every year the use of a substance is delayed, the risk of
developing a substance abuse disorder is reduced.
 People who begin drinking before the age of 15 are 4 times
more likely to develop alcohol dependence at some time in
their lives compared to those who don’t have their first
drink before the age of 20.
What is Synthetic Marijuana?
 Synthetic marijuana began being sold in 2004
 It was marketed as a “legal high”
 In 2011 five different types of synthetic marijuana compounds were
added as Schedule I controlled substances.
 As of 2013 there are now over 400 different synthetic marijuana
compounds that have been identified, and differing widely in
chemical structure, potency, and receptor activation
What is Synthetic Marijuana?
 Synthetic marijuana is often sold over the
internet and in local head shops or gas
stations
 Packaging is bright in color with exotic
names
 It is sold as potpourri, incense, etc.
 On each of the packages it states “not
for human consumption”
 This is to avoid being identified as
synthetic marijuana
What is Synthetic Marijuana?
 A man-made substance that
mimics the effects of
marijuana
 Compounds in synthetics act
on the same receptors as
marijuana
 Synthetic marijuana produce
effects up to 800 times
stronger than traditional
marijuana.
HOW IS IT MADE?
 The herbs are sprayed with chemicals that mimic the
psychoactive properties of THC
 Synthetic marijuana substitutes are not produced in a
controlled environment
 Their purity and dosage are not regulated or consistent
 The chemicals in synthetic marijuana are stronger and bind
more permanently to the receptors in the body. The
remain longer in the brain and organs
 They do not bind as quickly to receptors in the brain and
this causes an increase risk of overdose due to not feeling
the effects as quickly
HOW DOES SYNTHETIC MARIJUANA
AFFECT THE BRAIN?
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It produces an elevated mood
A feeling of relaxation
Altered perceptions
Effects are stronger than marijuana
Some users report psychotic effects such as extreme anxiety,
paranoia, and hallucinations
 There have been no scientific studies of how synthetic marijuana
effects the human brain
 Because of the different chemical compositions it is likely that
some varieties also contain substances that could cause
dramatically different effects than the user may expect.
SYMPTOMS OF SYNTHETIC
MARIJUANA USE
What are the Undesired Effects?
 Insomnia
 somatic pain
 nausea
 seizures
 agitation
 vomiting
 internal restlessness
 tremors
 palpitations
 headaches
 death
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perceptual alterations
illusions
visual and auditory hallucinations
paranoia
aggression
depersonalization
dissociation
anxiety
depressed moods
hypertension
hyperventilation
Is Synthetic Marijuana a Problem?
Synthetic Marijuana Use is Increasing
SYNTHETIC STATISTICS
 There were 2, 874 calls received by U.S. Poison Control
Centers about synthetic marijuana in 2010.
 The limited research available indicates that synthetic
marijuana may have the potential for dependence.
 It is estimated that 11, 406 U.S. emergency department
visits in 2010 involved synthetic marijuana and threefourths of these visits were made by patients ages 12-29.
 59% of ED visits by patients involved synthetic marijuana
and no other substances. 36% were a combination of 2 or
more substances.
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Excerpts from Cesar Fax May 9, 2011
WHY SYNTHETIC MARIJUANA??
 The majority of synthetic marijuana users report they use
the drug to avoid positive drug tests
 Most users of synthetic marijuana report using it as a
substitute for marijuana during drug-testing periods, and
returned to marijuana use once that period has ended.
 Synthetic marijuana is particularly dangerous because its
ingredients are unknown, they have not been tested for
safety, and their ever-changing ingredients can be
unusually powerful. Users don’t know what they are
getting.
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Excerpts from Cesar FAX January 13, 2014
Where are synthetics headed and
what can be done?
 The trend for synthetics will continue to evolve and adapt
to current fads, laws and drug screens. There is now a
cemented culture of synthetic drugs and it will continue to
maintain itself.
 Providers, schools, communities and families need to
educate themselves about these new substances but keep
in mind that it all comes back to substance abuse/addiction
and the desire to experiment and get high. That is not a
new concept and there are treatment programs available.
Federal Law Involvement
 A Year After Federal Legislation Bans Synthetic Drugs,
More Than 250 Types Still Sold
 Legislators and law enforcement agencies are trying to
keep up with drug makers, who are continually introducing
slight variations of their products to keep one step ahead
of the law.
 From January to August 2013, poison control centers
received 1,821 calls regarding exposures to synthetic
marijuana.
 synthetic drugs are unregulated, users don’t know what they
are actually getting when they buy the products in gas
stations or online.
Synthetic Marijuana and the Law
 As of June 2013 Governor Tom Corbett and the Pennsylvania General
Assembly enacted a ban on all synthetic marijuana compounds.
 The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act was amended
to include all synthetic marijuana compounds.
 First offense for delivery or intent to deliver are up to five years
imprisonment and a $15,000 fine.
 Possession penalties are up to one year imprisonment and a $5,000 fine.
 However, police need to send these substances out to be tested, which
has led to charging individuals with a lesser offense
 Inability to test for substances
 Length of time to get testing back from labs
Intervention
 Bring awareness of the harmful consequences to
students and teachers