Local authorities warn trend of synthetic marijuana laced with deadly fentanyl

UTICA- Synthetic laced marijuana… it’s becoming more and more of a trend among the most commonly used substances and authorities are warning the general public about batches that are being laced with fentanyl.

Specifically in Oneida County, 7 overdoses were confirmed and attributed to a synthetic marijuana, laced with fentanyl, between April 19-25.

Although none of these overdoses resulted in fatalities, officials say the individuals affected exhibited opioid-like overdose symptoms, such as respiratory depression, decreased mental status and pinpoint pupils.

All were administered with Narcan, officials clarified. “Death can occur when opioids, such as fentanyl, are added without the user knowing,” said Oneida County Overdose Response Team.

“With this recent cluster of synthetic marijuana overdoses suspected to contain fentanyl, it’s imperative we warn the community,” said County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr.

“We cannot overstate the fact that any legal or illegal drug that is sold on the streets could be cut with toxic substances without the user’s knowledge and can result in severe injury or death.”

Synthetic marijuana can be obtained at convenience stores and smoke shops, from individuals who sell or share drugs or online as incense or natural herbal products.

They are sold under a number of brand names, including but not limited to “K2,, “Spice,” “AK-47,” “Mr. Happy,” “Scooby Snax,” “Kush” or “Kronic.”

Image via the DEA.