NATCHEZ, Miss.–Synthetic pot at the Post Office. 80 lbs. of Pimpy Fresh Peach, Yeah, that was the flavor, found in Natchez, and Cynthia Strickland was getting it through the mail. That is, until somebody at the Post Office got suspicious and called the sheriff.
It’s not the real deal, but synthetic marijuana is illegal in Mississippi and Sheriff Chuck Mayfield said Metro Narcotics, his deputies and the Postal inspectors popped Strickland Friday when they noticed the suspicious packages.
She came to pick them up and when they asked if they could open the boxes, she said yes.
“We are overjoyed that we are able to prevent this large amount of synthetic marijuana from hitting streets,” said Mayfield, “This is a major bust and result of the cooperation of agencies. This cooperation is essential in the fight against drugs.”
Synthetic marijuana, also known as K2, Mojo, Spice, and Green Giant, became illegal in 2012.
“K2, Spice, Mojo – no matter what you call it, synthetic cannabinoids are dangerous and illegal,” said Mayfield, “I urge people not to use these products, which have caused a huge spike in emergency room visits this year. We’ve seen this drug cause psychotic episodes and heart failure. ”
Because the ingredients change frequently in synthetic cannabinoids, the risks and consequences of using them are unpredictable and there is no antidote, Mayfield explained. Reactions can include seizures and hallucinations.
He said to expect more arrests.
Facts about Synthetic cannabinoids, from Mayfield’s department website:
• Synthetic cannabinoids are often referred to by different names, including: K2, Spice, Green Giant, Geeked Up, Caution, Smacked, Wicked X, AK-47, synthetic marijuana, or legal marijuana.
•Signs and symptoms of synthetic cannabinoid use include agitation, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, high blood pressure, tremor, seizures, hallucinations, paranoia, and violent behavior. These effects can be similar to those of phencyclidine (PCP).
•Synthetic cannabinoids are not detected by standard urine toxicology screens; therefore, synthetic cannabinoid exposure should not be ruled out based on negative screening results. Consult your laboratory for preferred testing methods.
•Because the exact compounds contained in synthetic cannabinoid products change frequently, risks and adverse consequences are unpredictable.
•No antidote is presently available for synthetic cannabinoid intoxication; however, symptoms are usually short-lived and self-limited.
•Treatment of agitation and restlessness with benzodiazepines is an acceptable and effective intervention.
•Scientific evidence for treatment of chronic dependent use is lacking, but motivational counseling and cognitive behavioral therapy might be effective.
