I read an article Sunday in the Loudon County Times that outlined the extreme dangers of a new legal marijuana-like substance on the market.  The name is K2 and investigators in Virginia are reporting a rise in the possession of it.   K2 is also known as “fake pot” and, similar to marijuana, you smoke it and people using it can get high as well. 

K2 is a blend of herbs and spices on which there is currently no regulation.  A recent report released by the American Association of Poison Control Centers says the synthetic marijuana is sold at convenience stores and gas stations. The problem is that in 2010 alone, more than 1,500 calls have come into the AAPCC for extreme side effects.  The product claims to have an effect similar to marijuana, but the fact is that parents have reported their children having racing heartbeats, elevated blood pressure and nausea.   

The AAPCC warns the parents to know what the “spice” looks like and to call the center 24/7 for any questions pertaining to substance abuse that could be harmful to your health.