The Rise And Risks Of Synthetic Marijuana (Tom Ashbrook, On Point)

The street drug called “spice” is a kind of black box of chemicals and reactions. Chemicals, largely from China, sprayed over maybe oregano or basil. Sold in little packets marked “not for human consumption.” Reactions, all over the place. A high that can be manic or depressive. That can leave users giddy or angry or fighting for their lives in the emergency room. It gets called synthetic marijuana, but it’s not marijuana. It is a cannabinoid. And it is confounding health officials and law enforcement. This hour On Point: the unpredictability and danger of the little packets known as “spice.” / Tom Ashbrook
Interview:
http://onpoint.wbur.org/2015/08/10/spice-spike-synthetic-cannabinoids-bath-salts