Synthetic Marijuana Drug 'Spice' Sickens At Least 10

In downtown San Diego, 10 people were sent to the hospital--two of whom became seriously ill after overdosing on a batch of synthetic marijuana known as "spice."

San Diego Police and San Diego Fire-Rescue Department officials said that the incident happened at approximately 3 p.m. last Sunday, near 6th Avenue and C Street downtown. Those affected by the use of the drug ranged in age from 13 to 45 years old, according to CBS Local Sacramento. 

Synthetic marijuana is much more powerful than that the traditional plant-grown substance, according to the National Institute of Drug Abuse. Man-made mind-altering chemicals composed of the substance are sprayed on dried, shredded plant materials and can be smoked (via herbal incense) or sold as liquids to be vaporized and inhaled in e-cigarettes and other devices.

Due to the similarity between marijuana and synthetic marijuana, according to the organization, synthetic cannabinoids are "sometimes misleadingly called 'synthetic marijuana' (or 'fake weed'), and they are often marketed as 'safe,' legal alternatives to that drug."

Though they both may similarly affect the brain, synthetic marijuana is much more powerful, unpredictable and potentially life-threatening, according to health officials. 

Side effects of synthetic marijuana can result in a host of symptoms, ranging from paranoia to anxiety, dizziness, elevated heart rate, slowed speech, excessive sweating and more. In some cases, it can also increase the risk of seizures and other life-threatening health problems. 

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