14 Emergency Synthetic Marijuana Cases So Far This Year in Leesburg

An increase in synthetic marijuana use has led to more emergency responses in the City of Leesburg.

Sold as incense, K2, or Spice, synthetic cannabis had caused deaths across the nation. Sprayed with a substance similar the chemical makeup of THC, the substance is being inhaled through hand rolled cigarettes and pipes.

The Leesburg Police Department has already responded to 14 investigations and medical emergencies in 2015 due to the synthetic marijuana. Last year the department had 40 incidents involving K2.

Although commonly marketed as a “legal high,” possession of the China and Korea produced substance is illegal and a Class 1 misdemeanor in Virginia.

Not only is synthetic marijuana extremely dangerous and addictive, according to the American Association of Poison Control Centers, but it also comes with health issues, including:

• Severe agitation and anxiety
• Fast, racing heartbeat and higher blood pressure
• Nausea and vomiting
• Muscle spasms, seizures, and tremors
• Intense hallucinations and psychotic episodes
• Suicidal and other harmful thoughts and/or actions

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