drugs

Using Synthetic Weed Is Still a Bad Idea

Synthetic marijuana, sold in colorful packages with names like Cloud Nine, Maui Wowie and Mr. Nice Guy, sits behind the glass counter at a Kwik Stop in Hollywood, Florida. Police are beginning to crack down on synthetic drugs.
Synthetic marijuana, sold in colorful packages with names like Cloud Nine, Maui Wowie and Mr. Nice Guy, sits behind the glass counter at a Kwik Stop in Hollywood, Florida. Police are beginning to crack down on synthetic drugs. Photo: Susannah Bryan/Sun Sentinel/MCT

Over the weekend, imitation marijuana — which can still be found in some New York delis, despite being banned in 2012 — sent 15 people to the emergency room with nausea, dizziness, hallucinations, seizures, and all kinds of terrible vibes. It seems the chemical-laden substance is having another moment, with the Health Department saying that hospitalizations related to “K2,” “Spice,” “Green Giant,” and whatever else the kids are calling it have increased by 220 percent this year. If you’re going to do something illegal, just stick with the real thing.