1. Synthetic Marijuana &Bath Salts

2. National Survey Results: Why should you be concerned? • 11.4% of 12th graders reported using synthetic marijuana in the past year • Calls to Poison Centers increased from 2915 in 2010 to 5741 in 2011 (through Oct 31st) for synthetic marijuana • Calls to Poison Centers increased from 303 in 2010 to 5625 in 2011 (through Oct 31st) for bath salts National Survey: Monitoring The Future, 2011

3. What Parents Should Know About These Legal Drugs • These drugs are created to get around existing drug laws • Most packaging is marked “not for human consumption” to skirt law(s) • These drugs are made by modifying the chemical structure of an existing drug (chemicals developed in labs for research purposes; not intended for medical or recreational purposes)

4. Synthetic Marijuana • Collection of herbs and spices sold as “incense”(also marketed as plant food, research chemicals, toy/jewelry/glass cleaner) • Sprayed with synthetic compound similar to THC • $10 per gram or $30-40 per 3 gram packets • The chemical composition varies between products even with the same label and batch to batch

5. Legal Status • 43 states have taken action against synthetic marijuana • 33 states have taken action against bath salts • FDA has used emergency scheduling authority to ban some of these drugs but new products with similar but different chemicals are created

6. Health Effects – Synthetic Marijuana • Vomiting • Intense Hallucinations • Tachycardia • Increased Blood Pressure • Seizures • Loss of Consciousness • Paranoid Behavior • Agitation • Anxiety Note: Be aware, unpredictable effects may or may not occur due to the ever-evolving chemicals present in synthetics

7. Public Safety Concerns • DUI’s with fatalities • Suicides • Emergency Rooms are unprepared to handle these types of overdoses • Homicide-Suicide • Drugs abused to evade drug screens

8. Possible Bath Salts Effects • Anxiety • Fits and delusions • Nosebleeds • Agitation • Increased heart rate • Hallucinations and paranoia • Diminished requirement for sleep • Lack of appetite • Increased alertness and awareness

9. Bath Salts High • Effects begin 20 seconds-15 minutes after use • “Euphoric” effect can last 20 minutes to over 3 hours • Impairment remains long after the euphoria is gone • Increases dopamine and serotonin levels • Heightens senses and increases sexual arousal

10. Issues • Marketed to teens and young adults • Easily attainable via the internet, and local smoke shops and convenience stores. • Unknown ingredients/no known dosage • No consistency in manufacturing process • Not tested or approved for human consumption • Synergistic effects likely when mixed with other drugs or alcohol • Do not always show up on drug screening tests

11. Parenting Strategies • Educate yourself about these types of chemicals (including how youth may conceal them) • Talk with your child about these drugs (use teachable moments and capitalize on the current media attention) • Set clear rules in your household regarding these “legal” drugs • Enforce consistent consequences should your child use these substances • If your child has ingested these drugs, take him/her to the hospital immediately • Open communication with other parents (parent networking)

12. Resources • Cindy Vanderlee, Prevention Specialist Academy, 396-3859 email: vanderleec@canandaiguaschools.org • Celeste Trickler, Prevention Specialist Middle School, 396-3865 email: tricklerc@canandaiguaschools.org • Joni Mergenthaler, Family Services Facilitator, 396-3919 email: mergenthalerj@canandaiguaschools.org

13. References • Elliott, M.E. (Host), VP Communications, CADCA. (2012, January 26) Designer Drugs: The New Frontier. [Webcast]. Retrieved from www.mctft.com