A new study shows one in nine high school seniors have used synthetic pot, making it one of the hottest new drug trends.
What is synthetic pot?
Synthetic pot was sold legally up until about a year ago under the name K2 or Spice. The small packets were sold at tobacco shops for about $30, but the federal government banned the substance.
How common is it among teens?
“One in nine 12th graders in America have used synthetic marijuana in the last year. Spice and K2 now rank as the second most frequently used illegal drug among high school seniors, second only to marijuana,” Director of the National Drug control Policy Gil Kerlikowske said. “Make no mistake. These drugs are dangerous and can cause serious harm. Poison control center data across America have shown as substantial rise in the number of calls from victims suffering serious consequences from these synthetic drugs.”
Poison control centers have seen a spike in calls from the substance. About 6,000 calls have come in; double what came in the year before.
How common is smoking and drinking?
Studies show smoking and drinking is declining in teens. According to one study teen smoking peaked in 1996-1997. Since then, the levels have dropped significantly – 71% for 8th graders, 61% in 10th graders and 49% in seniors. Studies do, however, show an increase in youth smoking hookah.
“This is very good news for the health and longevity of these young people,” states Lloyd Johnston, research scientist at the University of Michigan. “Even a reduction of only one percentage point can translate into thousands of premature deaths being prevented.”
Marijuana use, however, continues to rise at a steady pace. Researchers believe the increase is because many teens believe the drug is harmless. Doctors and researchers believe more education is necessary, including education by parents.
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