Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office warns of the dangers of synthetic marijuana

The Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office is warning the community, especially teens, about the dangers of smoking a type of synthetic marijuana known on the street as “spice.”

The following is a release from the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office:

The Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office is warning the community, especially teens, about the dangers of smoking a type of synthetic marijuana known on the street as “spice.”

The warning comes following two reported illnesses by two Sultan teens who became ill after smoking “Black Voodoo” earlier this month. Both teens survived, but suffered various reactions after smoking the substance, including seizures, hallucinations and vomiting. The Sheriff’s Office is working with the Sultan School District following the incident.

Spice, which is also called “K2” and “potpourri,” can be purchased in tobacco shops and convenience stores and is manufactured by spraying natural herbs with synthetic chemicals.

It is marketed as an aromatherapy product. Spice is not illegal to possess, but it is labeled as “not for human consumption,” as in the case of the “Black Voodoo” smoked by the two Sultan teens.

Spice is often used by underage teens who cannot legally possess or purchase pot or by those who hope to avoid detection of drug use.