Dangers linked to legal spice use

A growing trend among teens and young adults looking for a high has caught the attention of parents, health care professionals and the Drug Enforcement Agency.

Smoking "legal spices" has become a popular choice for individuals looking to get the effects of marijuana but recent links to health concerns has caused politicians and health professionals to take a closer look at these products.  

Legal spices, also known as synthetic cannabinoids by medical professionals, can be bought legally in New York State in head shops, convenience stores or online. Owners of the shops claim their products are used for legal purposes although it is well-known buyers use them as alternative drugs to get high.

There are two local head shops in the area, both of which do not sell the legal drugs which have been connected to the outbreak of recent health problems. Headin' to Hertel, located on Main Street in Fredonia and Touch of Grey, located in Dunkirk, say they do not sell endonesia, KY or salvia – all common forms of legal spices.

Touch of Grey, however, said they sold herbal incense, which according to the Upstate New York Poison Center, can be smoked or ingested like endonesia and salvia and produce a similar high to marijuana. Herbal incense is commonly used as potpourri due to their natural fragrance.  

An individual with Touch of Grey, who wished not to be identified, said the herbal incense they sell is not meant for human consumption and pointed out that a label on the product claims that statement.

These products have raised concern due to a recent influx of individuals who found themselves in the hospital after smoking the legal drugs. The Associated Press released last week information regarding a recent spike in users of legal spices who ended up in the ER for labored breathing and rapid heat beats.

According to an April 7 AP release, titled "Synthetic Drugs send thousands to ER," at least 2,700 people have fallen ill since January. The AP predicts medical emergencies related to synthetic drugs could end up five times that amount by the end of the year.

The Upstate Poison Control Center, located in Syracuse, warns of dangers linked to synthetic cannabinoids, commonly known as "Spice," "KY," "Genie" and "Skunk," which are used as a legal alternative to marijuana.

Synthetic cannabinoids are chemically engineered substances that can produce a similar high seen in marijuana when smoked or ingested, according to a 2010 report from the Poison Center. Use of these substances can result in a racing heartbeat, elevated blood pressure and nausea.

The Western New York Poison Control Center, which was located within Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo, was closed due to state budget cuts, according to their website. Individuals are being directed to the Upstate Poison Control Center.

In response to increased concern, The DEA recently outlawed five chemicals found in synthetic spices but manufacturers quickly responded by rolling out similar products without the banned chemicals.  

An 18 year old from Ithaca was hospitalized after allegedly smoking a legal spice called endonesia. Ryan Barta claims he smoked the substance and became violently ill and suffered internal bleeding from an ulcer. Barta says he required 12-units of blood as a result of the ulcer.

Barta's parents contacted a local television news station in Ithaca to warn parents of the dangers surrounding the highly addictive drug.

According to staff at SUNY Fredonia's health center, no student has requested help from the center for illnesses related to the use of legal spices that they could recall. A call made to the Brooks Memorial Hospital ER resulted in similar findings.